A social media altercation places a dent in the schedules for two melodious icons to perform together on tour.
Songster Anita Baker withdrew crooner/songsmith Babyface from her tour after she got into it with some of his fans online.
“After Silently, Enduring Cyberbullying/Verbal Abuse & Threats of Violence from the Fan Base, of Our Special Guest/Support Act. In the Interest of Personal Safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, alone. Appropriate refunds will be made. Blessings,” Baker tweeted.
The Grammy-winning tunesmith responded by tweeting: “I am saddened by the news that Anita Baker has decided to remove me from “The Songstress Tour.” It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media. While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love & respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour.”
The rift commenced when Babyface was going to be a surprise guest at Baker’s May 10 concert, but he tweeted an apology to concert attendees, CNN disseminated.
“I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at @PruCenter. I was asked not to perform to give Ms Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety,” Babyface wrote. “My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.”
Babyface proponents were upset with Baker and began coming for her online in what the ‘Rapture’ hitmaker claimed was cyberbullying, which came after Babyface was pulled out from a performance in New Jersey due to time constraints, the Indianapolis legend registered.
Baker reached out on social media for Babyface to get involved to settle things down.
“Kenny’s Crazies are online Bullies. @Babyface Please call off, your fans. I have been Only Kind and Supportive, of You, as the Special Guest/Support, on My Tour,” Baker tweeted Monday.
Baker’s tour, which started in February, comes to an end on Dec. 23 in Oakland, California.
© 2023 • story by Edem Latsu Nukafu
Writer’s email : edemlatsu093@gmail.com
