Nigerian Afrobeats star Omah Lay, born Omah Stanley Didia, has opened up about his ongoing battle with smoking, admitting that giving up the habit has proved far more difficult than he initially expected.
The singer made the revelation during a recent podcast interview, where he spoke candidly about his repeated attempts to walk away from smoking and the challenges that have continued to pull him back.
According to Omah Lay, he has made several efforts to quit, but despite his determination, he has struggled to completely break free from the habit. He suggested that quitting is not simply a matter of making a decision, as the emotional and psychological attachment to smoking has made the process considerably more complicated.
The Afrobeats musician explained that smoking provides him with what he described as an “artificial happiness,” making it difficult for him to abandon something he has come to associate with a certain sense of relief and satisfaction.
He also linked his relationship with weed to the feeling of rebellion that comes with engaging in something prohibited. With marijuana remaining illegal in Nigeria, Omah Lay said the restrictions surrounding the substance have, in a way, contributed to the rebellious feeling he experiences when smoking.
At one point during the conversation, the singer appeared to take a rather resigned position about his struggle, suggesting that he has reached a stage where he feels there is little else he can do. He spoke about mortality in a notably detached manner, acknowledging that death is inevitable regardless of whether he continues smoking or not.
His comments have sparked attention because they offer a glimpse into the personal struggles that can exist behind the glamorous image associated with life as a successful music star.
For Omah Lay, smoking appears to have become more than just a casual habit. His remarks suggest that it has become intertwined with his emotions, his perception of happiness and even his desire to push against societal restrictions.
Although he says he has tried to quit “several times,” his latest comments indicate that the journey has been far from straightforward. Rather than presenting quitting as an easy decision, the singer has openly acknowledged the difficulty of breaking an established habit.
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His candid admission also highlights the complicated nature of addiction, where knowing that a particular behaviour may be harmful does not necessarily make it easy to stop.
Omah Lay has built a reputation for making deeply personal music, often drawing from his emotions, experiences and struggles. His latest revelation therefore adds another dimension to the public’s understanding of the artist, showing that behind his music career and international success, he is also confronting personal battles.
While the singer appeared to speak about smoking with a sense of acceptance, his admission that he has repeatedly attempted to quit suggests that part of him still recognises the desire to break away from the habit.
For now, Omah Lay’s words have left fans and listeners reflecting on the difficult relationship some people can develop with smoking—and how challenging it can be to let go, even when the desire to quit is genuine.