Real Warri Pikin Apologises To Husband After Viral Timaya Stage Moment

Nigerian comedian Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has apologised to her husband, Ikechukwu, after a viral stage interaction with singer Timaya at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) sparked reactions on social media.

The comedian joined Timaya on stage during his performance at the awards ceremony in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, September 12, where the singer lifted her off the ground during their brief interaction.

The moment, captured on video and widely shared online, drew mixed reactions, with some social media users questioning the appropriateness of the interaction given the comedian’s marital status.

Timaya appeared to acknowledge the situation while on stage, calling out Real Warri Pikin’s husband and saying, “Ikechukwu, no vex for me oo!”

Addressing the controversy, Real Warri Pikin explained that she had not planned to join Timaya on stage and did not expect the singer to lift her.

According to the comedian, she initially attempted to resist when Timaya tried to lift her, but the incident happened quickly.

She subsequently apologised to her husband and others who felt uncomfortable about the encounter.

“I apologise to my husband and everyone who feels somehow about the situation,” she said.

Despite the controversy, the night marked a major career achievement for Real Warri Pikin, who won the Best Stand-Up Comedian award at AFRIMMA 2026.

She emerged ahead of fellow Nigerian comedians Basketmouth, Bovi and Godfrey, as well as nominees from across Africa, including Kenya’s Eric Omondi and Ty Ngachira, South Africa’s Trevor Noah and Uganda’s Patrick “Salvado” Idringi.

The award adds to Real Warri Pikin’s growing profile in the entertainment industry, where she has expanded her career from stand-up comedy into acting and other creative projects.

However, the viral encounter with Timaya quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the ceremony, overshadowing her award on social media.

While continuing to celebrate her victory, the comedian has also sought to clarify what happened on stage and put her response to the criticism on record.

The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards brought together leading African musicians, comedians and other entertainment personalities in Dallas to celebrate achievements in African music and entertainment.

For Real Warri Pikin, the ceremony delivered a significant career milestone but also an unexpected controversy, with her apology now adding her perspective to the debate surrounding the viral moment.