Neneh Cherry, the iconic musician known for hits like 'Seven Seconds' and 'Buffalo Stance,' shares her life journey and creative inspirations. She reflects on her unconventional upbringing in a musical family and the emotional challenges of motherhood after losing her mother. The discussion touches on her humorous pizza-making mishap, missed collaborations due to self-doubt, and the transformative power of grief in shaping artistic expression. Her memoir, 'A Thousand Threads,' unveils these rich experiences and the legacy she's building for her musically gifted children.

Swedish-born singer Neneh Cherry’s four-decade-long career has ricocheted between a number of genres including hip-hop, jazz, and trip-hop. Her first single in 1988, “Buffalo Stance,” cemented her standing as a no-nonsense Black feminist voice in contemporary urban music. This year Neneh released her sixth album, “The Versions.” It’s a collection of cover songs of some of Cherry’s biggest hits, and is performed exclusively by female artists including Robyn, Sia, and Neneh’s daughter Tyson. On today’s episode Bruce Headlam talks to Neneh Cherry about her bohemian upbringing in Sweden, New York and London with stepdad Don Cherry, the famous jazz trumpet player. Neneh also recalls how she first met The Slits, the legendary all-girl punk group. And why despite scoring her first big hit with a cheeky rap verse, she never considered herself a real MC. Hear a playlist of all of our favorite Neneh Cherry songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.