Nigerian music veteran Paul Okoye, formerly of the internationally acclaimed duo P-Square, has issued a stern warning to emerging artists who regularly feature cannabis smoking in their music videos, describing the trend as both unhealthy and artistically unnecessary.
In a candid Instagram Story post written in Nigerian Pidgin English, the 43-year-old artist expressed his frustration with what he sees as a troubling pattern among new acts who feel compelled to smoke marijuana on camera during video shoots.
“Dear new acts. Abeg, who tell una say whenever una dey shoot a visualizer video, say una must dey smoke Igbo for the camera?” Okoye wrote, using local slang for cannabis. He noted that many artists begin smoking even before filming officially begins, suggesting the behavior has become automatic rather than artistic.
The musician’s criticism extends beyond the act itself to its underlying implications. Okoye expressed particular concern about the physical toll he observes on these artists, advising them to prioritize proper nutrition if they choose to continue heavy cannabis use.
“Make sure you dey eat well. At least, they chop better food,” he urged, painting a stark picture of artists who “dey smoke around 50k” (spending 50,000 naira on cannabis) while struggling to afford basic meals like “Indomie of 1k without egg” (instant noodles costing 1,000 naira without adding an egg).
His message strikes at the heart of what he perceives as misplaced priorities in Nigeria’s evolving music industry. The veteran artist categorically dismissed the notion that smoking enhances an artist’s image, stating bluntly, “Don’t tell me it’s swag or trying to look fly. You’re looking sick.”
This latest intervention reflects Okoye’s pattern of offering unfiltered advice to younger industry players through social media. The singer, who achieved international success as part of P-Square before the duo’s highly publicized split, has consistently used his platform to address what he sees as concerning trends in the entertainment industry.
Last year, Okoye made headlines with controversial advice on handling online criticism, demonstrating his willingness to speak provocatively on industry matters. His latest comments, however, touch on more serious health and professional concerns.
The timing of Okoye’s message is significant as Nigeria’s music industry continues its global ascent, with Afrobeats gaining unprecedented international recognition. His warning comes as emerging artists increasingly compete for attention in an oversaturated market, sometimes resorting to controversial imagery to stand out.
Industry observers note that Okoye’s comments reflect broader concerns about the influence of international hip-hop culture on Nigerian artists, particularly the adoption of lifestyle elements that may not align with local values or practical realities.
The musician’s use of the phrase “under pressure” in his closing remarks suggests he views this behavior as symptomatic of the intense competition and expectations facing new artists trying to establish themselves in today’s music landscape.
As one half of P-Square, which sold millions of records across Africa and beyond, Okoye’s voice carries considerable weight in discussions about artistic authenticity and professional conduct in the Nigerian music industry. His latest comments are likely to spark debate about the responsibility of established artists to guide newcomers and the role of social media in shaping industry standards.
The post has already generated significant discussion online, with many fans and industry professionals weighing in on the balance between artistic expression and responsible behavior in an industry increasingly under global scrutiny.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Veteran Nigerian artist Paul Okoye (P-Square) has publicly criticized emerging musicians for routinely smoking cannabis in their music videos, warning that this trend is neither “cool” nor healthy. His main concern is that these artists are prioritizing expensive drug habits over basic nutrition and falsely believing that smoking on camera enhances their image. Okoye’s intervention highlights a broader issue in Nigeria’s booming music industry, where young artists may be adopting harmful lifestyle choices under pressure to appear trendy, potentially compromising their health and authentic artistic expression in pursuit of attention.
