“You're Looking Sick, Not Fly” — Paul Okoye Slams Upcoming Artistes for Glorifying Smoking in Music Videos

In a blunt and passionate social media outburst that’s currently making waves across the entertainment scene, Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy, has come down hard on upcoming artistes who smoke on camera under the guise of looking trendy. The veteran musician, who is one half of the iconic defunct duo P-Square, took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out what he described as a disturbing trend among new-generation musicians who prioritize appearing “fly” over their own well-being.

“Dear new acts… abeg who tell una say whenever una de shoot visualizer video, say una must de smoke igb for camera?” the singer wrote, clearly baffled by the obsession with flaunting marijuana use in every music-related clip. “20 sec music never start you still de light up,” he continued, highlighting how the visuals often begin with more smoke than substance, long before a single note or lyric is heard.

Paul Okoye’s message wasn’t just about the visuals—it dug deeper into the health, mindset, and misplaced priorities of some of Nigeria’s up-and-coming talents. “Well na your choice ohh, but make sure you de eat well, at least de chop better food,” he warned, suggesting that many of these young acts are sacrificing proper nourishment in pursuit of a fabricated image.

He then dropped a line that has since gone viral across social platforms: “You're looking sick. You de smoke around 50k de battle Indomie of 1k... without egg. Under pressure.” In just a few words, Okoye painted a stark picture of a growing crisis—artists spending tens of thousands of naira on weed while struggling to afford a basic meal, all because of the relentless pressure to impress or fit into a certain mold crafted by peer influence and internet culture.

For many fans and industry observers, this wasn’t just a rant. It was a sobering reality check. In an era where social media validation has become currency, it’s not uncommon to find young artists curating an aesthetic that includes drugs, flashy clothing, and a detached persona as their “brand,” even if they can barely sustain themselves behind the scenes. Smoking in music videos has become so normalized that it now seems like a requirement for clout, rather than an artistic choice. And Paul Okoye is calling it out for what it is—an illusion that’s costing these artists more than just their health.

Okoye’s comment about smoking “under pressure” hit a nerve for many. The pressure to succeed, to be noticed, to appear successful even when the pockets are empty, is real and unrelenting for emerging musicians in Nigeria’s tough entertainment landscape. And with platforms like TikTok and Instagram rewarding style over substance, it’s easy to understand why so many are getting lost in the smoke.

Yet, the reactions to Rudeboy’s post have been mixed. While a significant number of fans and older artists praised his honesty and concern, some younger acts and their supporters saw his message as judgmental and out of touch. One user wrote, “Let them express themselves. If smoking is part of their vibe, let them vibe. Everyone’s journey is different.” Another responded more critically, “Easy for someone with P-Square money to talk. We’re hustling through pain.”

Still, others came to Rudeboy’s defense, emphasizing that the issue isn’t about condemning choices but about drawing attention to a dangerous culture of performance and peer pressure. “He’s not saying don’t smoke,” one comment read, “He’s saying don’t lose your mind trying to look like what you’re not. Feed yourself first. Protect your health. Don’t die for aesthetics.”

And that may be the heart of the matter. Paul Okoye, known for his straightforwardness and for speaking his truth regardless of public opinion, seems to be calling on young creatives to get real—to stop hiding behind smoke screens and to recognize that true artistry isn’t about fitting into someone else’s idea of cool. It's about substance, responsibility, and survival in an industry that demands more than just visuals.

There’s also an underlying tone of care in his words, a kind of older brother energy that’s becoming increasingly rare in an industry more obsessed with competition than mentorship. When he says, “make sure you de eat well,” he’s reminding them to prioritize their well-being, both mentally and physically, over any gimmick or on-camera persona. In a country where the average young person is navigating economic hardship, insecurity, and dwindling opportunities, choosing to portray a lifestyle one cannot sustain can be an even deeper form of self-sabotage.

Paul Okoye’s outburst might just be the wake-up call many upcoming acts need—not because it was eloquently delivered or sugarcoated, but because it was raw, relatable, and real. In a world where nobody wants to appear vulnerable, admitting that you're struggling to afford food while spending huge sums to maintain a fake lifestyle might be the first step to reclaiming control.

Whether or not his message changes anything remains to be seen. Some will heed the advice, others will dismiss it. But one thing is certain: Rudeboy has put the conversation on the table. Smoking in videos might look like swag, but if it comes at the cost of your health, sanity, and dignity, then maybe—just maybe—it’s time to rethink what being “fly” really means.

As the industry continues to evolve, more veteran voices like Paul Okoye’s may be necessary to cut through the noise, challenge toxic norms, and guide younger talents toward a path that values authenticity over aesthetics. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the smoke that will sustain a career—it’s the substance.