Nigerian Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has declared he will no longer attempt to quit smoking, framing the decision as an acceptance of personal autonomy in the face of mortality.
The artist, born Omah Stanley Didia, disclosed his position during a recent podcast interview with DJ Dan. He revealed multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop smoking, describing the struggle as a cycle of forced restraint that ultimately proved unsustainable.
“I tried to stop, I forced myself but I can’t,” Omah Lay said. “Honestly bro, life is just one. I am going to just die one day. We are all going to die one day. So what’s the essence [of forcing myself to stop smoking]?”
The “Soso” crooner characterized smoking as a source of “artificial happiness” and linked his attachment to the habit partly to its prohibited status in Nigeria, where cannabis remains illegal. He said the illegality provides him with a sense of rebellion.
“I just want to be at peace and smoke my weed. And the fact that it is illegal in Nigeria, it give me artificial happiness and a sense of rebellion. This is it. This is my life. I will just live it. I will enjoy every single thing that I have,” he added.
The remarks arrive as Omah Lay continues to maintain a prominent presence in the global Afrobeats scene. His debut album, “Boy Alone,” released in 2022, explored themes of vulnerability, fame, and mental Health, earning critical acclaim for its candid lyricism. The project included the hit single “Soso,” which further solidified his commercial standing.
Public reaction to the interview has been mixed across social media platforms. Some fans have expressed support for the singer’s transparency regarding personal choices, while others have raised concerns about the potential influence of such statements on younger audiences. Health advocates have long warned against normalizing substance use, particularly in a country where drug enforcement remains strict and public health infrastructure faces significant strain.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) maintains a zero-tolerance policy on cannabis possession and use. The agency has intensified operations in recent years, targeting both supply chains and high-profile users. Celebrity encounters with law enforcement over drug-related offenses have occasionally made headlines, underscoring the legal risks the singer referenced.
Omah Lay’s comments also touch on a broader cultural conversation within Nigerian entertainment, where artists increasingly navigate the tension between personal expression, legal boundaries, and public expectation. The Afrobeats genre’s global expansion has placed its leading figures under international scrutiny, amplifying the impact of their public statements.
The singer did not indicate whether his stance might affect future creative output or public engagements. His management team has not issued a supplementary statement clarifying the context of the interview.
As the discussion continues online, the episode highlights the evolving relationship between African pop culture icons and the regulatory environments in which they operate. For now, Omah Lay appears resolved to prioritize personal peace over external pressure, a sentiment he summarized bluntly: “This is my life. I will just live it.”
