Veteran singer warns upcoming artists that smoking on camera damages their image:
Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye has publicly condemned the trend of smoking in music videos and studio visuals. He warned that such behavior misleads fans and undermines professional credibility.
Smoking Seen as a Status Symbol by Young Artistes
Rudeboy questioned why emerging artists habitually pose with cigarettes or marijuana near microphones. He mocked the idea that smoking while creating music guarantees fame, calling it a misguided stunt.
Lifestyle Over Substance: Priorities Out of Focus
The singer noted that some artists spend more money on smoking than on nutritious food. He highlighted extreme fakery: spending thousands on cannabis while fasting. He urged creatives to focus on their health and craft.
Industry Standards and Fine Policies
Rudeboy doubles down on his strict label policy: anyone he signs who smokes will be fined ₦10 million. His record label now requires viable personal assets, parental consent in contracts, and maintenance of a clean image.
Broader Impact on Music Culture
His criticism has sparked online debates, with fans supporting his message that artistic dedication, not substance use, fosters success. Music critics say this stance challenges the glamorization of smoking in media and aligns with public health calls for reform.
