BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Nigerian comedian Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has been forced to address an unexpected social media controversy after a playful moment with singer Timaya during the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) sparked questions about boundaries and marriage.
The comedian joined Timaya on stage during his performance at the awards ceremony in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in what appeared to be a spontaneous interaction.
However, the brief encounter quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the night after video footage showed Timaya lifting Real Warri Pikin off the ground while he was performing.
What appeared to be a lighthearted stage moment was interpreted differently by some social media users, particularly because the comedian is married to Ikechukwu.
The reaction became intense enough for Timaya himself to acknowledge the situation while still on stage. During the performance, he reportedly called out the name of Real Warri Pikin’s husband and said, “Ikechukwu, no vex for me oo!”
That moment further fuelled online discussion, with social media users debating whether the interaction was simply part of the entertainment atmosphere or whether it crossed a line given the comedian’s marital status.
Real Warri Pikin has now offered her own explanation, saying she did not go to the stage with the intention of having the singer lift her.
According to the comedian, her appearance on stage was not planned, and she was caught off guard when Timaya attempted to pick her up.
She claimed that she initially tried to resist the singer’s attempt, but the entire interaction happened so quickly that she was eventually lifted.
With the video already circulating widely online, the comedian decided to address the controversy directly rather than allow speculation to define what happened.
She apologised to her husband and to people who felt uncomfortable about the encounter.
“I apologise to my husband and everyone who feels somehow about the situation.”
Her response has since become part of the wider conversation, with some people accepting her explanation while others continue to debate whether such interactions are appropriate for married entertainers.
Ironically, the controversy came on what was otherwise a significant career night for Real Warri Pikin.
The comedian emerged as the winner of the Best Stand-Up Comedian award at the 2026 AFRIMMA ceremony, beating a highly competitive field of comedians from across Africa.
Her fellow Nigerian nominees included Basketmouth, Bovi and Godfrey, while the category also featured prominent African comedy names such as Kenya’s Eric Omondi and Ty Ngachira, South Africa’s Trevor Noah and Uganda’s Patrick “Salvado” Idringi.
