Afrobeats star Omah Lay has publicly admitted that he has abandoned his efforts to quit smoking, stating that repeated attempts to break the habit were unsuccessful. In a podcast interview that surfaced on X on August 15, 2026, the singer candidly discussed his long battle with smoking and his decision to stop fighting it.
Omah Lay's Candid Confession on Smoking
Omah Lay, whose full name is Omah Stanley Didia, explained that he has made peace with his habit, describing his approach to life as wanting to enjoy every moment. The Grammy-nominated singer, known for hits like "Soso" and "With You" featuring Davido, said he has chosen to accept himself as he is, including this aspect of his life.
During the interview, Omah Lay revealed that beyond the difficulty of quitting, smoking carries an extra appeal for him because it is illegal in Nigeria. He described the forbidden nature of the habit as providing what he called "artificial happiness" and a sense of rebellion.
"I love smoking a lot. I tried to stop, I forced myself but I can't. Honestly bro, life is just one. I am going to just die one day. We are all going to die one day. So what's the essence [of forcing myself to stop smoking]? I just want to be at peace and smoke my weėd. And the fact that it is illegal in Nigeria, it give me artificial happiness and a sense of rebellion. This is it. This is my life. I will just live it. I will enjoy every single thing that I have."
Fans React to Omah Lay's Smoking Revelation
The interview clip drew a wave of responses from Nigerians online, with opinions ranging from concern to understanding. Some fans warned about the health risks, while others expressed empathy for the singer's struggle with addiction.
@IamMusic63151 wrote: "Till you smoke colos and shake hands with death no be person go tell you to burn your lighter."
@Monakings11 commented: "Everyone pick the sin they've gradually convinced themselves over time that it's ok and then go on to throw stones at the once they've not yet convinced themselves to accept."
@umukoro87299 shared: "I've learned in life never to start something you can't finish, because it'll come back to hurt you emotionally, and mentally if you're not able to continue doing it. Addiction is real and one have to choose his. Wether is smoking, drinking, or womanizing; you had to choose yours."
@ejyko warned: "Weėd amotivational syndrome features include -apathy, passivity, poor planning and reduced effort. You will think you are relaxed and happy but you are actually losing the thing that makes you 'you'. It is especially very obvious in creatives."
@hsurdluxuryNG added: "ADDICTION IS A BAD THING......EVEN THE PERSON DOING IT KNOWS IT IS BAD BUT THE SPIRIT IS TOO HARD TO RESIST.....DRUG,SMOKE,BETTING,LOAN ETC ARE BAD ADDICTION..."
Omah Lay's Role Models and Future Ambitions
In related news, Legit.ng reported earlier that Omah Lay spoke about his role models in the music industry, naming Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Drake, and The Weeknd as his idols. He described himself as a deeply creative person, saying he constantly needs to create art to feel complete.
Omah Lay also shared his ambition to become the wealthiest artist in the world by producing groundbreaking projects that will transform the industry. His candid interview and public statements continue to spark conversations among fans and observers about addiction, creativity, and personal choices.
