Anita Asuoha, the comedian popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has apologised to her husband and Nigerians amid criticism over a viral video showing her jumping on singer Timaya during a recent stage performance.
The incident took place on Saturday during the AFRIMMA festival in Dallas, Texas, United States.
Real Warri Pikin was honoured with the ‘Best Stand-Up Comedian’ award at the event, where Timaya was also among the performing Nigerian artistes.
In footage from the show, the comedian can be seen joining Timaya on stage while he performed his hit track ‘Ukwu’. At one point during the performance, the singer lifted her off the ground.
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The clip went viral on social media, prompting a chorus of condemnation, particularly from some Nigerians who felt the interaction was inappropriate for a married woman.
The actress took to her Instagram page to respond to the criticism on Sunday with a video captioned “Abeg make una nor vex”.
She explained that she had been backstage watching Timaya’s set when he called for a woman to join him on stage. Caught up in the moment, she said she responded without thinking through what might happen next.
Real Warri Pikin said she grew hesitant once she realised Timaya intended to lift her. She said she eventually cooperated after the singer asked her not to ruin his performance.
“Nigerians, please take it easy on me, I’m really sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions. Na me put myself for this one o,” she said in pidgin English.
“If Timaya wan perform that him song, Ukwu, him must bring woman come out make him carry her… I dey backstage dey vibe when e dey perform when he say make a lady come out. And you know me na. When it comes to vibe, anything I dey. Na him I rush come outside. Na me put myself for this one.
“Na him e say I go jump for him body. I shock. I say no oo. If you watch the full video, you go see where I dey beg am. I was very reluctant. Him say no oo. Na, you come outside o. No spoil my performance. Na him I do am o. Make una no vex for me abeg.”
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She also spoke about her husband’s response to the viral moment, saying he was displeased.
Real Warri Pikin, who often shares details of her marriage and family life online, has been married to Ikechukwu Asuoha since 2013, and they have three children.