Yemi Alade Reveals How She Nearly Became Addicted to Smoking During University Years
Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Yemi Alade has shared a deeply personal story about a period in her life when she nearly became addicted to smoking. In a recent appearance on the talk show “With Chude,” the Afro-pop sensation spoke candidly about her brief experience with cigarettes while in university — a decision she said started out of curiosity but quickly spiraled into dependency.
According to Yemi, the habit began innocently. She wasn’t influenced by peers or pressured by her social circle. Instead, she wanted to “try it out” for herself — to see what it felt like. However, the experiment didn’t end as simply as it began.
“When I was in university, I tried smoking,” she said. “It just didn’t work for me. Before it didn’t work out, it worked out a bit too much. I started needing to smoke before I went to bed — I was getting addicted to that lifestyle.”
The “Johnny” crooner explained that what began as a casual experiment gradually became a nightly routine. She noticed that her body and mind started to crave cigarettes at specific times, especially before sleep. That’s when she realized that she might be on the verge of a real addiction.
“At first, it was something I did occasionally,” she admitted. “But when I noticed I was beginning to rely on it, that was my red flag. I told myself, this is not who I want to become.”
Yemi also recalled that the secrecy surrounding her habit was one of the biggest signs that something was wrong. She found herself hiding whenever she wanted to smoke — an act that made her uncomfortable and self-aware.
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“In public, I would hide the cigarettes,” she said. “And I just told myself, if I have to hide to do something, then I shouldn’t be doing it. I like to be aware and proud of my decisions.”
That moment of self-reflection became the turning point. Concerned about how smoking could affect her health — and especially her voice — Yemi decided to quit altogether. She revealed that her habit lasted less than a year, but it was enough to teach her a lasting lesson about self-control and awareness.
“Smoking didn’t last up to a year for me,” she confessed. “I stopped because it wasn’t for me, and it could harm my voice. My voice is my gift, and I can’t do anything that would destroy it.”
Reflecting on her journey, the singer said discipline has been one of her strongest traits. While she acknowledged that temptations sometimes resurface, she maintains strict rules for herself — rules that keep her focused and grounded.
“Like every human being, there are days when you feel tempted to go back to old habits,” she said. “But I’m the kind of person who makes strict rules for myself, and I follow them.”
Her honesty has drawn praise from fans who see her story as a powerful reminder that even celebrities face private battles. Many lauded her for using her platform to shed light on the issue of addiction — particularly among young Nigerians experimenting with smoking, vaping, and other risky habits.
Health experts have long warned that early exposure to cigarettes can lead to lifelong addiction and serious health issues. Yemi’s decision to open up about her experience has therefore been seen as both a confession and a cautionary tale — one that could help young people think twice before experimenting.
Known for her commanding stage presence and empowering lyrics, Yemi Alade continues to be one of Africa’s most respected female artists. Her willingness to speak openly about her struggles shows a side of vulnerability rarely seen in public — one that makes her both relatable and inspirational.
“I’ve learned that being real with yourself is the first step to freedom,” she concluded. “Everything I am today is because I learned to take control of my choices.”