Anita Baker and Usher are two of the most iconic singers in the history of American music. They have both won multiple Grammy awards and have influenced generations of fans with their soulful and R&B songs. But are they related by blood, or is there another explanation for their close relationship?
The Auntie-Nephew Dynamic
According to OtakuKart, Anita Baker and Usher are not blood-related, but they consider themselves as auntie and nephew. They have a sweet and kind bond that melts fans’ hearts, and they often surprise each other with gestures of love and appreciation.
For example, on Valentine’s Day 2023, Usher surprised Anita Baker on stage with a bouquet of roses as she was performing her 1986 classic “Same Ole Love (365 Days a Year)” at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. He then sang a few bars of the song with her, while dancing around the stage. According to Blavity, this was not the first time that Usher serenaded Anita Baker. In September 2022, he sang his song “Superstar” to her during his Las Vegas My Way residency. A month later, she returned the favor by singing him “Happy Birthday” and toasting him during a concert.
Usher often calls Anita Baker his auntie on social media, while she calls him her nephew. They also share photos and videos of their backstage moments, where they are joined by other celebrities and friends. According to Sis2Sis, some of the stars who have posed with them include Jermaine Dupri, Tamia and her husband Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and John Gray.
The Musical Connection
Besides their personal affection, Anita Baker and Usher also share a musical connection. They both belong to the same genre of music, which is soul and R&B. They have both expressed their admiration and respect for each other’s work and legacy.
According to Yahoo News, Anita Baker has praised Usher for his talent and versatility, saying that he is “one of the most gifted singers in the world”. She also said that he is “a great dancer, a great performer, a great songwriter, a great producer”. She added that he is “a very humble young man” who has “a lot of integrity”.
Usher has also shown his gratitude and reverence for Anita Baker, calling her “the icon” and “my favorite auntie”. He said that she is “one of the greatest voices of our time” and that he grew up listening to her music. He also said that she is “a mentor” and “a friend” who has taught him a lot about the industry.
Conclusion
Anita Baker and Usher are not related by blood, but they have a sweet bond that goes beyond family ties. They are auntie and nephew by choice, and they show their love and support for each other through music and gestures. They are both legends in their own right, and they inspire millions of fans with their soulful and R&B songs.
