"Why I Stopped Trying to Quit Smoking" — Omah Lay

 LOS ANGELES, CA — Nigerian Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has shared candid insights into his lifestyle choices, revealing that he has ceased efforts to quit smoking after several unsuccessful attempts to drop the habit.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the Zach Sang Show, the recording artist discussed his personal relationship with smoking, acknowledging that past deliberate efforts to stop were unsustained.

Omah Lay explained that he genuinely enjoys smoking, adding that forcing himself to give up the habit proved counterproductive. His straightforward remarks reflect a pragmatic turn toward self-acceptance regarding his personal lifestyle choices.

“I love smoking a lot. I tried to stop; I forced myself but I can’t.”

He explained that his decision was largely driven by a shift in perspective, choosing to eliminate the self-imposed pressure to stop after reassessing his overall outlook on life.

“Life is one,” he said, adding, “I am going to just die one day. We are all going to die one day.”

Omah Lay added that his choice ultimately stems from a desire to live peacefully, avoiding the friction of constantly battling himself over the habit.

“And the fact that it is illegal in Nigeria. When you smoke weed as a young boy in Nigeria, you feel like a criminal,” he said.

The singer described the sensation he gets from smoking as "artificial happiness," while acknowledging that the feeling is temporary.

“It gives me artificial happiness,” he said.

Omah Lay noted that he has reached a point of acceptance regarding his lifestyle, choosing to embrace it rather than forcing himself into changes he cannot maintain.

“This is it. This is my life. I will just live it. I will enjoy every single thing that I have,” he said.