Real Warri Pikin Apologises to Husband After Timaya Lifts Her on AFRIMMA Stage

Nigerian comedian Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has apologised to her husband, Ikechukwu, after a viral stage moment with singer Timaya at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in Dallas, Texas.

The comedian joined Timaya on stage during his performance at the awards ceremony on Saturday, September 12. A video from the event showed Timaya lifting Real Warri Pikin briefly during the performance, prompting reactions across social media because of her marital status.

The moment quickly became a talking point online, with some social media users questioning the interaction. Timaya appeared to acknowledge the reaction during the performance, calling out Real Warri Pikin’s husband and saying: “Ikechukwu, no vex for me oo!”

Real Warri Pikin later addressed the controversy, explaining that she had not planned to join Timaya on stage and did not expect to be lifted. She said she initially tried to resist when the singer attempted to lift her, but the interaction happened quickly.

The comedian subsequently apologised to her husband and others who felt uncomfortable with the incident. “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 the 2026 AFRIMMA ceremony.

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

Real Warri Pikin’s win adds to her growing profile across comedy, acting and other entertainment projects. However, the unexpected interaction with Timaya has become one of the most discussed moments from her appearance at the ceremony.

For the comedian, AFRIMMA therefore delivered a mixed spotlight: a major award recognising her work, alongside a viral moment that forced her to publicly explain herself and apologise to those who took issue with what happened on stage.