Culture

Three decades later, Robyn and Mapei re-imagine Neneh Cherry's 'Buffalo Stance' in new video

By Doris Daga

Photo: Getty

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce the hi-hat:" Robyn, Mapei, and Dev Hynes' version of Neneh Cherry's iconic Buffalo Stance is re-imagined in a new music video starring Indya Moore

Thirty-four years since its original release, the hip-hop classic Buffalo Stance is re-envisioned through the dynamic trio that is Swedish-American Mapei, hit-maker Robyn, and Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes. Buffalo Stance is one of the most influential female rap tracks of all time, putting Neneh Cherry on the map as a cultural icon, as the track peaked at number 3 in both the UK and the US in 1988.

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Listen to the song here:

The song has received a stripped-down treatment, highlighting the beautiful grooving guitar, the lyrics we all know by heart, and the percussion in this slowed-down version. Robyn's heavenly voice sings the hook while Mapei raps the verses, with Dev Hynes producing the track.

On instagram, Neneh Cherry gushed over Robyn's talent: "Her talent is soulful because she leads with her heart and spirit, ever-present with honest intensity in her offerings which leave me blubbering with hairs standing erect on my arms and legs, dancing on my own, talking to myself with a feeling that everything is going to be alright."

Today, the new music video launches starring American actor and model Indya Moore. In a film-like quality video, Moore and friends pose against vintage floral wallpaper featuring nothing but the poster of Cherry's 1989 debut album Raw Like Sushi.

Directed by India Sleem, this is a visual set to stand its ground against the original in a true celebration of queer culture and the song we all know and love.

Watch the music video here: