LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian comedian Real Warri Pikin, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, has publicly apologized after a dance video of her on stage with singer Timaya sparked backlash online.
The incident happened during Timaya’s performance of his hit song “Ukwu” at the AFRIMMA Awards ceremony held during weekend.
In the viral clip, Timaya called for a female fan to join him on stage as he performed the song.
Real Warri Pikin, who was backstage enjoying the performance, immediately came out and danced with him.
“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,” Real Warri Pikin said.
The dance however, drew backlash after Timaya lifted her onto his waist and the pair engaged in sensual moves.
Taking full responsibility for the moment, the comedian who is married and a mother to three children explained that she did not realize Timaya intended to do his usual stage routine.
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“I no know say if Timaya wan perform that him song, Ukwu, him must bring woman come out outside make him carry am. I no know,” the comedian stated.
According to the comedian, she was initially caught off guard when Timaya tried to lift her. She said she resisted at first and could be seen asking him not to do so in the full video.
“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,” she added.
She further revealed that Timaya reminded her that she was the one who came onto the stage and urged her not to disrupt his performance.
“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,” the comedian pleaded.
In her video message, Real Warri Pikin apologized to Nigerians while admitting that she had placed herself in the situation.
She maintained that the entire moment happened spontaneously while she was backstage enjoying the 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. Na me use my hand put myself for this one,” she admitted.
Real Warri Pikin also revealed that the incident had also upset her husband, Ikechukwu.
She noted that she is currently in the United States, making it harder for the couple to immediately resolve the situation in person.
“Like this now Ikechukwu dey vex for me and you know say I dey America, e too far,” she said.
Real Warri Pikin, who won the Comedian of the Year award at the event, appealed to her fans and others who were upset by the viral moment to forgive her. She maintained that the stage encounter was spontaneous and unplanned.
