Nigerian artist Yemi Alade has shared insights into a period during her college years when she temporarily became attached to smoking prior to choosing to abandon it entirely.
During a latest conversation with Chude, the performer behind “Johnny” disclosed that a sense of intrigue prompted her to experiment with smoking during her academic time, yet it soon evolved into a routine she relied upon right before sleep.
As per her account, this pattern nearly developed into a full-blown dependency.
“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 said.
Yemi explained that even though she attempted to conceal the behavior from others, the discomfort associated with secrecy prompted her to acknowledge that she had no desire to persist with it.
“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,” she added.
The musician indicated that she ultimately ceased the practice upon understanding the potential damage smoking might inflict on her vocal abilities and overall well-being, noting that the whole ordeal spanned less than twelve months.
“Smoking for me didn’t last up to a year. I stopped because it wasn’t for me, and it could harm my voice,” she said.
Yemi further mentioned that although she sometimes experiences urges similar to those any person might encounter, she stays resolute in her choice, portraying herself as an individual who establishes firm guidelines for her actions and adheres to them consistently.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
