Anita Baker wants fans to be present at her shows.
The legendary singer was performing in Houston, Texas on Friday night (December 15) when she told fans to stop recording the performance on their phones, as seen in videos shared on TikTok. In the clip, Baker ad-libbed while singing her 1983 hit, “Feel the Need.” “Early in the morning! Late at night, baby,” she sang, before demanding, “Shut the camera off baby, I don't know who you are, back off!”
“Back off, I don't know who this is,” he continued to sing. In another clipBaker asks security to remove some fans from the front row, though it's not clear if it's because of the phones or another reason.
In June, Baker's tour made headlines after she dropped Babyface as her opening act. “After quietly, constant cyberbullying/Rubber abuse and threats of violence from our special guest/support act fan base. In the interest of Personal Safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, by myself. Appropriate refunds will be made. Blessings,” Baker wrote on social media alongside an updated tour poster that does not include her former leader's name.
In a statement to Advertising sign, Babyface said he was “sad” to no longer be on tour. “It's unfortunate and disappointing to see how things have turned out through social media,” he said at the time. “While I've been looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love and respect for Anita and wish her the best for the rest of her tour.”
