Popular Nigerian comedian Real Warri Pikin has publicly responded to the wave of criticism trailing her viral stage moment with music star Timaya at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in Dallas, Texas.
The comedian, who was honored with the Best Stand-Up Comedian award at the event, found herself at the center of social media debates after a clip emerged showing Timaya lifting her during his live performance.
How the Viral Incident Occurred
In a video addressing the controversy, Real Warri Pikin explained the circumstances surrounding the event. She revealed that Timaya had called for a female audience member to join him on stage. Despite her initial reluctance to join in on the energetic performance, she eventually complied after receiving assurances from the singer.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Timaya lifted her in front of the crowd. While the live audience reacted with amusement, the reception on social media was significantly different, with many commentators accusing her of crossing appropriate boundaries as a married woman.
Real Warri Pikin Pleads for Understanding
Reacting to the online backlash, the comedienne took full responsibility for the occurrence while urging critics to temper their judgments.
‘Make una take am easy, I beg. I’m sorry. I take full responsibility of my actions,’ she appealed to her followers, clarifying that she had no intention of undermining her marriage or disrespecting her husband.
She further emphasized that the incident was simply an awkward, spontaneous moment during a live stage performance and should not be used to define her character or personal values.
Addressing Public Concerns
While acknowledging that some of the criticism stemmed from genuine concern for her brand and family, she begged Nigerians to be less harsh in their assessments.
- The Event: The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards held in Dallas, United States.
- The Achievement: Real Warri Pikin won the prestigious Best Stand-Up Comedian award.
- The Clarification: She maintained her commitment to her family, dismissing any claims of deliberate inappropriate behavior.