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

Real Warri Pikin joined Timaya on stage during his performance at the awards ceremony held in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, September 12.

A video from the event showed the comedian approaching Timaya as he performed before the singer lifted her off the ground. The brief interaction quickly spread across social media, with some users questioning the moment because Real Warri Pikin is married.

Timaya appeared to acknowledge the situation during the performance, calling out her husband’s name and saying, “Ikechukwu, no vex for me oo!”

Real Warri Pikin later addressed the reactions, explaining that she had not planned to go on stage and did not expect Timaya to lift her. According to the comedian, she initially tried to resist when the singer attempted to lift her, but the moment happened quickly. She also apologised to her husband and those who felt uncomfortable about the interaction.

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

The incident came on a night that was otherwise a major one for the comedian, who won the Best Stand-Up Comedian award at the ceremony.

Real Warri Pikin emerged ahead of fellow Nigerians Basketmouth, Bovi and Godfrey, as well as comedians from other African countries.

The nominees also included Kenya’s Eric Omondi and Ty Ngachira, South Africa’s Trevor Noah and Uganda’s Patrick “Salvado” Idringi. Her win added another recognition to a career that has seen her grow from stand-up comedy into acting and other entertainment projects.

However, the moment with Timaya soon became a major talking point online, drawing attention away from her award. The comedian has since continued to celebrate her achievement while addressing the criticism surrounding the stage interaction.

The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards brought together African musicians, comedians and other entertainment personalities in Dallas for the annual celebration of African music and entertainment.

For Real Warri Pikin, the ceremony ended with both a major career achievement and an unexpected social media controversy. Her apology has now put her side of the story on record as discussions about the viral moment continue online. (Guardian)