Nigerian Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has spoken candidly about his ongoing struggle with smoking, revealing that he has stopped forcing himself to quit after several unsuccessful attempts.
The 28-year-old artiste discussed the habit during a recent interview with DJ Dan, explaining that he had repeatedly tried to stop smoking but eventually decided to accept that quitting was difficult for him.
Omah Lay said his decision was influenced partly by the feeling of peace he associates with smoking. He also described the experience as a form of “artificial happiness” and rebellion because cannabis remains illegal in Nigeria.
“I love smoking a lot. I tried to stop, I forced myself but I can’t. Honestly bro, life is just one,” the singer said.
He added that he had reached a point where he wanted to live his life without constantly pressuring himself to give up the habit.
The disclosure has generated discussion among fans, particularly because Omah Lay is a prominent figure among Nigeria’s younger generation of musicians. His comments have also renewed conversations about smoking, substance use and the influence celebrities can have on young audiences.
The issue is important because attempts to quit addictive habits can be challenging, and people who want to stop often require sustained support rather than relying solely on willpower. Omah Lay’s comments, therefore, provide a glimpse into the personal difficulty some individuals experience when attempting to break a habit.
The singer has previously spoken about difficult periods in his life and how smoking featured during some of those experiences.
Omah Lay rose to prominence with songs such as “Bad Influence,” “Understand” and “Soso,” establishing himself as one of the leading voices of Nigeria’s contemporary Afrobeats movement. He has since built an international audience through albums, collaborations and global performances.
His latest remarks add another personal dimension to the public image of the artiste, while also highlighting the complex conversations surrounding smoking and celebrity influence.
Although Omah Lay says he has stopped trying to force himself to quit, his comments remain a personal account and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of smoking or its health effects.
