“Una Never Start Music, Una Don Light Igbo” – Paul Okoye Slams Emerging Artists Over Smoking Culture in Videos

Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy of the iconic P-Square duo, is calling out a growing trend among Nigeria’s up-and-coming music acts — and he’s not holding back.

In a blunt Instagram Story post, the veteran singer expressed his disappointment with the new generation of artists who excessively smoke in their music video shoots, especially before the music even begins.

“Dear new acts. Abeg, who tell una say whenever una dey shoot visualizer video, say una must dey smoke Igbo for camera? 20 sec music never start, you still dey light up,” he wrote.

Style or Self-Sabotage?

Paul didn't mince words, describing the behavior as unhealthy, misleading, and unsustainable. He noted that many of these young artists spend more on weed than food, projecting an image of swag while compromising their well-being.

“You dey smoke around 50k, dey battle Indomie of 1k without egg. Under pressure,” he added.
“Don’t tell me it’s swag or trying to look fly — you’re looking sick. Make sure you dey eat well.”

A Wake-Up Call from a Legend

Rudeboy’s message hits deeper than a surface-level rant — it's a call for balance, discipline, and intentionality in a culture where visual branding sometimes overshadows the actual art.

As a veteran who has navigated the highs and lows of the music industry for over two decades, his words serve as both warning and wisdom. Paul urges the younger generation to rethink the narratives they're pushing, particularly those that glamorize destructive habits.

“It’s your choice, oh. But make sure you dey eat better food,” he advised, making it clear that image without health is a dangerous façade.

Opinion – The Pressure to Perform and Conform

In today’s social media-fueled music industry, many upcoming acts feel intense pressure to create a persona that looks “hard,” “cool,” or “street.” Unfortunately, that often means mimicking trends like public smoking, even at the cost of personal health.

Paul Okoye's statement isn’t just about smoking — it’s about prioritizing authenticity over peer pressure, and health over hype.

If you’re investing in your image, Rudeboy’s message is clear: invest in your well-being first.

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