Nigerian comedian Real Warri Pikin has apologised to Nigerians after a viral moment with singer Timaya during the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas, Texas, sparked reactions online.
Real Warri Pikin, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, had just been named Best Stand-Up Comedian at the awards before joining Timaya on stage during his performance. She was lifted by the singer during the performance, a moment that quickly circulated on social media.
The interaction drew mixed reactions, with some social media users questioning whether the moment was appropriate given that the comedian is married to Ikechukwu. The incident also reportedly prompted reactions from her husband from afar.
Real Warri Pikin later addressed the controversy in a video, apologising and taking responsibility for her part in the incident.
“Nigerians should take it easy on me, I’m really sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions,” she said.
The comedian reportedly explained that the moment happened spontaneously in the excitement of the performance and that she did not want to interrupt the atmosphere on stage.
Her apology has since generated further discussion, with some fans urging Nigerians not to read too much into a brief stage interaction, while others maintained that she should have been more conscious of boundaries.
The controversy came just hours after what had otherwise been a major achievement for the comedian. Real Warri Pikin won the Best Stand-Up Comedian award ahead of several prominent African comedians, including Basketmouth, Bovi, Godfrey, Eric Omondi, Trevor Noah and others. The ceremony was held at Annette Strauss Square in Dallas.
The latest development has shifted attention from her award-winning night to the viral stage moment, with her public apology now at the centre of the conversation.
For Real Warri Pikin, the message appears to be an attempt to calm the backlash and put the incident behind her after an otherwise celebratory night.
