Afro-pop star Yemi Alade revealed in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo that she once grappled with a brief cigarette smoking habit during her university years — one that she says nearly developed into full addiction before she quit.

“When I was in university, I tried smoking. 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,” she admitted.

The Habit, the Realisation & the Breakaway

According to Alade, curiosity first led her to try cigarettes in school.

The habit, she said, “worked out a bit too much,” as she found herself craving a cigarette at bedtime. She disclosed:

“In public, I would hide the cigarettes, and I just told myself, if I have to hide to do something, I won’t do it. I like to be aware of my decisions.” 

Recognising the habit wasn’t aligned with her values — and that it could jeopardise her health and vocal ability — Alade said she stopped the habit altogether, adding that the phase “didn’t last up to a year.”

Closing Comment

Alade’s confession is a reminder that even well-established artists may face private struggles, and that recognising a habit early and choosing to quit can prevent deeper dependency.

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Her decision to publicly share this chapter may encourage her fans — and the broader youth population — to reflect on their own choices.