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Smoking is not swag – Paul Okoye slams upcoming artists
Veteran Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy and one-half of the now-defunct P-Square group, has issued a strong warning to upcoming artists over what he calls a disturbing trend: smoking weed during music video shoots.
Taking to his Instagram Story, the singer expressed frustration in Pidgin English, questioning why so many new acts feel the need to light up before the camera even starts rolling.
He noted that it’s become common to see artists start smoking as soon as they arrive on set, even before the music begins.
“Dear new acts, abeg who tell una say una must dey smoke Igbo every time una dey shoot video? Music never start, una don dey light up,” he wrote.
Rudeboy didn’t stop there. He went on to caution these artists about their appearance and health, urging them to at least eat well if they insist on smoking heavily. “You’re already looking sick,” he warned, highlighting that some are spending big money on weed while struggling to afford basic meals.
“Una dey smoke around 50k and dey battle Indomie of 1k without egg,” he added sarcastically, pointing out the contradiction in their lifestyle.
He dismissed the notion that smoking on camera is a sign of swag or style, advising them to prioritize their well-being over appearances.
In closing, Rudeboy attributed the behavior to the pressures of fame and expectations, concluding with the phrase “Under pressure.”
“Every time una dey shoot visualizer, una go first light igbo. You dey smoke around ₦50K but dey battle Indomie of ₦1K… without egg.
Stop calling it swag, you’re looking sick.” — Rude Boy of Psquare sends warning to upcoming artistes.#NBGafrica pic.twitter.com/87mmfhOdL4— NBG Africa (@nbgafrica) August 2, 2025
This isn’t the first time Rudeboy has shared blunt advice online. In a separate post from last year, he offered a humorous strategy for dealing with online trolls: listen to their complaints, pretend to help, and then “insult their papa” before blocking them.
Rudeboy’s latest outburst has sparked conversation online, with many echoing his concerns about the rising unhealthy habits among younger acts in the Nigerian music industry.