Awarded at the AFRIMMA, Real Warri Pikin apologizes after viral incident with Timaya

Real Warri Pikin, crowned Best Stand-Up Comedian at the AFRIMMA 2026, issued an apology on Sunday, September 13, following a viral stage incident with Timaya. The event took place on Saturday, September 12, in Dallas, Texas.

The Nigerian comedian, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, received the award for Best Stand-Up Comedian at the festival. She was nominated alongside several prominent figures from the continent, including fellow Nigerians Basketmouth, Bovi, and Godfrey, as well as comedians from Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

The controversy arose during Timaya’s performance of “Ukwu.” Present backstage, Real Warri Pikin joined the singer when he invited a woman to come on stage, before being lifted by the artist. The video of the incident subsequently sparked widespread criticism on social media.

In a video posted on her Facebook page, she explained that she acted spontaneously without knowing the direction of the performance. She mentioned that she initially hesitated when Timaya asked her to participate in the act, but later acknowledged her responsibility and urged her followers not to hold it against her.

Real Warri Pikin also stated that her husband, Ikechukwu Asuoha, was unhappy about the incident, while dismissing calls for her to leave her home. The couple has been married since 2013 and has three children.

The incident occurred just hours after she received her trophy. The 2026 edition of the AFRIMMA Music Fest in Dallas brought together artists and comedians from various African countries and the diaspora.