Neneh Cherry is a groundbreaking Swedish artist who seamlessly blends hip hop, pop, and dance music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with her innovative sound and powerful performances. With a career spanning decades, she has evolved as a singer, songwriter, and collaborator, earning acclaim for her cultural impact and ability to challenge musical conventions.
Neneh Cherry is a multifaceted Swedish artist who has made significant contributions to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ, and broadcaster. Born Neneh Mariann Karlsson on March 10, 1964, in Stockholm, Sweden, she has crafted a unique musical identity by blending hip hop with various other influences.
Neneh Cherry was born to a Swedish mother named Moki and a father from Sierra Leone, West Africa. However, she was primarily raised by her stepfather, the renowned African American jazz musician Don Cherry (1936-1995), whom her mother married early in Neneh's life. This multicultural upbringing would later influence her diverse musical style and artistic perspective.
At the age of 14, Cherry made a pivotal decision to leave school and relocate to London, which marked the beginning of her musical journey. This move would prove instrumental in shaping her career and artistic development.
Upon arriving in London, Cherry immersed herself in the vibrant music scene of the early 1980s. She joined her first band, "The Cherries," and subsequently moved through several other musical groups. Her early musical experiences included being part of influential post-punk bands such as:
During this formative period, Cherry also worked as a DJ, playing early rap music on the reggae pirate radio station Dread Broadcasting Corporation, further diversifying her musical knowledge and influences.
Cherry's breakthrough came after being spotted rapping on stage in London, which led to her signing a solo recording deal with Virgin Records. Her career gained momentum with her participation in the anti-Falklands War movement, contributing to the "Stop The War" single.
In 1988, Cherry released "Buffalo Stance," a track that would become her signature hit and catapult her to international fame. This was followed by her debut solo album, "Raw Like Sushi," released on May 2, 1989, which peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart. The album's success established Cherry as a significant voice in the music industry, blending elements of hip hop, dance, and pop in an innovative way.
Following her successful debut, Cherry continued to evolve as an artist with several album releases:
In addition to her solo work, Cherry formed the band cirKus in 2006 and collaborated with the jazz group The Thing on an album called "The Cherry Thing" in 2012, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles and collaborations.
Throughout her career, Neneh Cherry has received significant recognition for her contributions to music. Her accolades include:
These awards acknowledge her innovative approach to music and her influence on the industry.
Neneh Cherry's impact extends beyond her chart success. As a biracial woman in the music industry, she helped break barriers and challenge conventions in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her blend of hip hop, dance, pop, and other genres created a distinctive sound that influenced many artists who followed.
Cherry's ability to navigate between different musical worlds—from punk to hip hop to electronic music—established her as a versatile and forward-thinking artist whose work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her return to recording and performing after extended breaks demonstrates her enduring relevance and artistic integrity.
