RudeBoy Slams Smoking Trend in Music Videos, Warns Up-and-Coming Artistes

Nigerian music star Paul Okoye, better known as RudeBoy of the iconic duo Psquare, has expressed concern over a growing trend among rising artistes, smoking in their music video visualizers.

In a post shared via his Instagram story on Saturday, August 2, the singer criticized the act, describing it as unhealthy and misleading. Speaking in Pidgin English, RudeBoy wrote:

“Dear new acts, abeg who tell una say whenever una de shoot visualizer video, say una must de smoke igbo for camera.
20 sec music never start you still de light up… well na your choice ohh but make sure you de eat well, at least de chop better food. Don’t tell me is swag or trying to look fly.”

The Afropop artist pointed out the irony in prioritizing smoking over personal wellbeing, stressing that some young artistes look sickly due to poor lifestyle choices.

“You’re looking sick. You de smoke around 50k de battle indomie of 1k without egg,” he added.

RudeBoy ended the message with a subtle nod to the pressure that many upcoming musicians face in the industry, simply stating:

“Under pressure…”

The veteran artist’s post has since sparked discussions online, with many fans agreeing that lifestyle portrayal in visuals should not come at the expense of one’s health or authenticity.