Nigerian comedian Real Warri Pikin has come under heavy criticism on social media following a viral stage interaction with singer Timaya at the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas, Texas.
The incident happened while Timaya was performing his popular song, “Ukwu.” Real Warri Pikin, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, joined the singer on stage before he lifted her as part of the performance, sparking controversy among some social media users.
Key Highlights
- Real Warri Pikin faced online backlash over her stage performance with Timaya.
- The incident happened during Timaya’s performance of “Ukwu” at the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards.
- The comedian apologised to her fans and husband, Ikechukwu, over the incident.
- Real Warri Pikin said she was unaware that Timaya’s performance involved lifting a female fan.
- She said she initially refused to participate but later joined the routine.
- Timaya has not publicly issued a detailed response to the controversy.
What Happened Between Timaya and Real Warri Pikin?
The Timaya and Real Warri Pikin stage moment occurred during the singer’s performance at the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas.
Timaya was performing “Ukwu”, a song during which he typically invites a female fan onto the stage as part of his energetic performance.
Real Warri Pikin, who was backstage after winning the Best Stand-Up Comedian award, joined the performance.
During the routine, Timaya lifted the comedian, with video clips of the moment subsequently going viral on social media.
While the interaction appeared entertaining to those at the event, some social media users criticised the comedian because she is married.
Some commenters questioned whether the physical interaction was appropriate, while others made comments about her marriage.
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Real Warri Pikin Apologises
Following the backlash, Real Warri Pikin issued an apology in a video shared on Sunday, September 13.
The comedian apologised to her fans and her husband, Ikechukwu, while accepting responsibility for her participation in the stage performance.
“Please take it easy; I am sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions. You people have dragged me to the bone,” she said.
Real Warri Pikin explained that she was not familiar with Timaya’s usual stage routine for “Ukwu” and did not initially agree to participate.
“Normally, if Timaya is performing Ukwu, he brings a fan on stage to jump on him and carry it. I did not know,” she explained.
According to the comedian, she initially told Timaya that she could not participate in the routine.
She said she eventually joined the performance after the singer encouraged her not to disrupt the show.
“If you watch the full video, you will see where I am begging him. I told him that I cannot, but he said I should just forget about it and not spoil his performance,” she said.
Comedian Says Moment Was Misinterpreted
Real Warri Pikin said the incident appeared different online from how it felt during the live performance.
She described the moment as spontaneous and light-hearted but acknowledged that the video had generated a different reaction once it circulated on social media.
The comedian also revealed that her husband was upset about the incident.
She said the fact that she was currently in the United States made the situation more difficult as she dealt with the controversy from a distance.
Timaya Yet to Respond
As of the latest reports, Timaya has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the backlash directed at Real Warri Pikin.
The singer’s performance has attracted less criticism than the comedian’s participation in the routine, with much of the online discussion focusing on the appropriateness of the interaction.
The controversy has also renewed conversations about stage performances, celebrity relationships, marital boundaries and the intense scrutiny Nigerian entertainers face on social media.
For Real Warri Pikin, the apology appears to be an attempt to calm the backlash while explaining that her participation in the Timaya stage performance was spontaneous and not pre-planned. For more updates, follow us on X.
