“It Affected My Voice” – Yemi Alade Opens Up About Quitting Cigarettes
Kehinde Adeleye
Award-winning Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has shared how she overcame a short-lived smoking habit she picked up as a teenager.
The Johnny crooner revealed during an interview with Chude Jideonwo that she experimented with smoking while in university but gave it up after realising it was affecting her voice and wellbeing.
Alade said she initially struggled with the habit in private, often hiding it from others, but later decided to stop because it didn’t align with her values.
“When I was in university, I tried smoking. It didn’t work out. But before it didn’t work out, it worked out a bit too much. I started needing to smoke before going to bed. I was getting addicted to that lifestyle. But in public, I would hide the cigarette,” she said.
The singer explained that she found the double life uncomfortable and made a personal decision to quit.
“I told myself that if I have to hide to do something, then I shouldn’t be doing it. I like being aware of my environment and my decisions. Cigarettes just weren’t for me, they harmed me and affected my voice. So, I stopped. Smoking for me didn’t even last up to a year.”
Alade’s revelation offers a rare glimpse into her personal journey and her resolve to make healthier choices while navigating fame and youth.
