Nigerian rapper Temidayo Omoniyi, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has revealed that he stopped smoking about four years ago, a major change in lifestyle for the artiste once known for his energetic stage presence and street-style persona.
The revelation came during a recent chat with fans on Snapchat. When a follower asked if he still smoked, Zlatan explained that he quit in 2021 and had no problem with people who still did.
He said, “People ask me this almost every day. Yes, I stopped smoking four years ago, and I have nothing against smokers.”
Although Zlatan did not specify what prompted his decision, the rapper has in recent years shared posts reflecting personal growth, fatherhood, and responsibility, themes that have become more evident in his recent interviews and social media updates.
In one of his earlier interviews, Zlatan spoke about how fatherhood changed his outlook on life, saying it made him “more intentional” about his actions and choices. He also revealed that becoming a father helped him to prioritise peace and focus on his career rather than distractions.
Similarly, in another conversation, the rapper narrated how Olamide, one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, helped him achieve a breakthrough in his career by featuring him in his early collaborations.
Zlatan described Olamide’s support as “life-changing,” noting that it motivated him to work harder and stay disciplined.
In recent times, several Nigerian musicians have made similar announcements about quitting smoking or attempting to do so. These include Don Jazzy, Peruzzi, Tekno, and Kizz Daniel, who have all shared stories of how smoking affected their health and careers before they eventually stopped.
Don Jazzy, who publicly revealed he quit smoking years ago, has often inspired fellow artistes to embrace healthier habits. Following his declaration, Davido also pledged in 2018 that he would be “quitting soon,” citing Don Jazzy’s discipline as motivation.
Over the years, Zlatan has spoken about various personal and career experiences, from how he used the car he won from a music competition as a taxi, to how he was once mocked for wearing affordable fashion brands. His ability to remain grounded despite fame has endeared him to many fans.
Zlatan, known for chart-topping hits such as ‘Bolanle’, ‘Ale Yi’, and ‘Zanku’ (Leg Work), continues to maintain relevance through collaborations and mentorship of younger artistes.
