Award-winning Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has opened up about a personal chapter from her past — a time when she briefly experimented with smoking during her university years and almost got addicted before deciding to quit for good.

The “Johnny” hitmaker made the revelation during a recent sit-down on “With Chude”, a popular talk show known for its candid and introspective celebrity interviews. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Yemi explained that her decision to try smoking stemmed from curiosity rather than peer pressure. According to her, what started as an innocent experiment soon became a habit she found herself struggling to control.

“When I was in university, I tried smoking. It just didn’t work for me,” she said. “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.”

The Afro-pop star admitted that the habit began to take a toll on her mindset and routine, adding that she started craving cigarettes at specific times, especially at night. It was then she realised she was slowly slipping into a dependency.

“At first, it was something I did occasionally, but I noticed I was beginning to rely on it,” she revealed. “That’s when I knew I needed to stop before it became something deeper.”

Yemi Alade went on to share how secrecy around the habit also made her uncomfortable. She recalled how she would try to hide whenever she wanted to smoke, which ultimately pushed her to reevaluate her choices.

“In public, I would hide the cigarettes,” she said. “And I just told myself, if I have to hide to do something, then I shouldn’t be doing it. I like to be aware and proud of my decisions.”

Realising that smoking was not just a private struggle but also a potential threat to her health and music career, Yemi made the conscious decision to quit.

She noted that the turning point came when she considered the long-term effects smoking could have on her voice — her most valuable asset as an artist.

“Smoking for me didn’t last up to a year,” she confessed. “I stopped because it wasn’t for me, and it could harm my voice.”

Reflecting on the experience, Yemi Alade described herself as someone who is highly disciplined and able to hold herself accountable. While she admitted that temptations occasionally arise, she emphasized that she remains firm in her decision to stay away from the habit.

“Like every human being, there are days when you feel tempted to go back to old habits,” she said. “But I’m the kind of person who makes strict rules for myself, and I follow them.”

Her openness about the experience has earned praise from fans online, with many commending her honesty and self-awareness. Social media reactions highlighted how her story could serve as a lesson to young people who often experiment with habits without considering the potential consequences.

Beyond her personal revelation, Yemi’s story sheds light on a broader issue — the increasing number of young Nigerians experimenting with smoking, vaping, and other lifestyle habits that could lead to addiction. Health experts have repeatedly warned that early exposure to smoking often leads to long-term dependency and serious health complications.

Yemi’s candid admission, therefore, stands out as both a confession and a cautionary tale. It also reflects a growing trend among Nigerian celebrities who are using their platforms to speak openly about personal struggles — from mental health to addiction — in a bid to inspire positive change among fans.

Known for her powerhouse vocals, electrifying performances, and pan-African appeal, Yemi Alade continues to stand as one of Africa’s most respected female artists. Her decision to speak openly about her past underscores her authenticity and willingness to use her influence for social good.

As she continues to evolve musically and personally, the singer says she remains focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle — one that keeps her grounded, inspired, and true to herself.

“I’ve learned that being real with yourself is the first step to freedom,” she concluded. “Everything I am today is because I learned to take control of my choices.”