Real Warri Pikin apologises over viral video of stage performance with Timaya
By Damilola Akinwale –
Nigerian stand-up comedian Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has apologised to her husband and Nigerians following backlash over a viral video of her interaction with singer Timaya on stage.
The incident occurred on Saturday during the AFRIMMA festival in Dallas, Texas, where Real Warri Pikin was honoured with the ‘Best Stand-Up Comedian’ award. A video from the event showed the comedian joining Timaya on stage before he lifted her during the performance of his hit song, ‘Ukwu’.
The footage quickly gained traction on social media, with some Nigerians describing the interaction as inappropriate given the comedian’s marital status.
Reacting to the criticism, Anita took to her Instagram page on Sunday with a video captioned, “Make Una nor vex”, pleading with Nigerians to take it easy on her. She said while some people were expressing genuine concerns about her behaviour, others were taking the matter too far.
She explained that the stunt was meant for entertainment and did not reflect her personality, describing those speculating about the incident as “online in-laws”.
Anita said she had been backstage enjoying Timaya’s performance when the singer asked for a woman to join him on stage. She responded instinctively before realising that the performance required her to jump on him.
According to her, she became reluctant when she realised Timaya intended to lift her and could be seen in the viral footage pleading with him not to do so. She said she eventually agreed after the singer urged her not to disrupt his performance, adding that the act had become a popular moment during his performance of his hit song, ‘Ukwu’.
Anita also revealed that her husband had been angry after the performance, jokingly attributing his reaction to Chelsea Football Club’s recent stalemate with Hull City, as he is a Chelsea fan. She added that the incident would not end her marriage, contrary to speculation by some Nigerians, and expressed optimism about her relationship.
