Popular Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has revealed a deeply personal chapter of her life — a brief struggle with cigarette addiction during her university days.
In a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, the “Oh My Gosh” crooner recounted how curiosity as a teenager led her into smoking, which soon began affecting her health and vocal strength.
Alade explained that she would secretly smoke before bedtime, admitting that it quickly became a habit she was ashamed of. The singer said she eventually decided to quit after realizing she could no longer sleep without smoking, describing the phase as “a life of discomfort and dependency.”
According to her, the turning point came when she noticed how the habit was damaging her voice — a vital tool for her music career. With self-awareness and discipline, Yemi chose to break free, quitting completely in less than a year.
She emphasized that her experience taught her the importance of being conscious of one’s choices and not hiding behind unhealthy habits.
Her words: “If I have to hide to do something, then I shouldn’t be doing it. Smoking affected my voice, and that was when I said enough is enough.”
The singer’s openness has sparked mixed reactions online, with many praising her honesty and resilience.
