Real Warri Pikin Wins AFRIMMA Award, Apologizes Over Timaya Stage Incident

At the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), Nigerian entertainer Anita Asuoha—performing as Real Warri Pikin—secured the Best Stand-Up Comedian award. This recognition adds significantly to her mounting collection of international honours.

However, another incident at that same AFRIMMA gathering in the United States drew far greater attention. Singer Timaya performed "Ukwu" with Asuoha joining him on stage, as captured in video footage that quickly went viral.

The sequence unfolded spontaneously: stationed in the wings, Asuoha heard Timaya calling for someone from the audience to participate in his act. She promptly emerged from backstage, leaping onto the stage beside him.

The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, sparking extensive online discussion. Response to the video proved mixed, with some observers questioning whether the behaviour befitted a married woman.

Asuoha subsequently posted an apology via social media on September 13, delivering the message in a self-deprecating video marked by her signature comedic sensibility. She expressed regret to her husband Ikechukwu and her fanbase, assuming complete accountability for her participation in the stage moment.

In her response, Asuoha revealed that she had been enjoying the show from backstage when Timaya made his appeal for a participant. The video acknowledged the upset her actions had generated, particularly concerning speculation about her marriage.

Nevertheless, she refrained from providing extensive details about what transpired on stage or the nature of the physical interaction visible in the recording.