Singer Yemi Alade has revealed that she once struggled with smoking addiction during her university days.
The 36-year-old spoke about the experience on the WithChude podcast hosted by Chude Jideonwo, explaining that the habit began as an experiment but quickly turned into something she depended on.
“When I was at the university, I tried smoking. It did not work out. Before it did not work out, it worked out a bit too much. In that I started needing to smoke before I go to bed,” she said.
“I was getting addicted to that lifestyle. But also in public, I would hide the cigarettes. So I was like, what is this life, the discomfort that I cannot go to bed without smoking, and when I go out, I am going to hide.
“As a teenager in the university, trying to find life, I also made some decisions for myself that if I was going to hide to do something, I am not going to do it. Because I like to be aware of my environment, my decisions, and I just said I do not think cigarettes are for me. And they affect my voice anyway.”
The ‘Mama Africa’ singer said she eventually quit smoking after realising she was becoming addicted and uncomfortable with the secrecy.
“Smoking did not last for me up to a year. I am a kind of person who can be stubborn. I make ultimatums for myself in my head, and I try my best to stand by them. But I get tempted every now and then, like every other human being,” she added.
Yemi said her decision to quit was also influenced by the effect of smoking on her voice, adding that self-discipline helped her overcome the habit.
Yemi Alade, known for hit songs like Johnny, Africa, and True Love, released her latest single Tomorrow in October 2024.
She continues to promote African culture through her music and recently performed at global events including the 2024 Afropunk Festival in Paris.”
