Nigerian rapper Ice Prince Zamani has made a startling revelation about the financial toll of his former cannabis habit, disclosing that he spent a staggering N340 million on marijuana from just one supplier over a six year period. The celebrated artist, known for chart topping hits like ‘Aboki,’ shared these intimate details during a candid appearance on the Black Box podcast, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden costs of substance dependence in the entertainment industry.
Speaking openly about his consumption patterns between 2020 and 2026, Ice Prince emphasized that the eye watering figure represents purchases from a single dealer based near his Lagos residence. The actual amount spent on cannabis during this period is likely far higher, as the rapper acknowledged maintaining relationships with multiple suppliers across several cities and countries, including Abuja, Jos, Ghana, and London. The revelation underscores not only the severity of his dependence but also the extraordinary financial resources required to sustain such habits at the upper echelons of Nigeria’s music scene.
Ice Prince explained that his decision to quit smoking came as part of a broader personal transformation encompassing weight loss and what he described as a journey of self discovery. The lifestyle overhaul represents a significant departure for an artist who has been a fixture in Nigerian hip hop for over a decade. His willingness to publicly discuss the financial and personal dimensions of his struggle reflects a growing trend among Nigerian celebrities to address mental health and substance use issues with greater transparency.
Beyond cannabis, the rapper revealed he has also eliminated alcohol from his life and adopted a period of celibacy as part of his holistic approach to personal wellness. Such comprehensive lifestyle ces are relatively uncommon among high profile entertainers, particularly in an industry where substance use is often normalized or even glamorized. Ice Prince’s openness about the process could potentially influence conversations around addiction and recovery within Nigeria’s creative communities, where access to support systems and treatment options remains limited for many.
Industry observers note that the sums Ice Prince disclosed spending on marijuana highlight broader questions about financial management and wellness support structures for Nigerian artists. Despite generating significant income through music sales, performances, and endorsements, many entertainers face challenges related to financial literacy and access to mental health resources. The rapper’s revelations may prompt renewed discussions about duty of care within the music industry and the need for more robust support systems for artists dealing with substance dependence.
Looking ahead, Ice Prince’s public acknowledgment of his journey toward sobriety could mark a turning point both in his personal life and career trajectory. As he continues his transformation, the rapper’s story may serve as a cautionary tale about the hidden costs of fame while also offering hope to others struggling with similar challenges. Whether his openness will inspire other Nigerian celebrities to share their own experiences with substance use and recovery remains to be seen, but his willingness to break the silence represents a potentially important step toward destigmatizing addiction conversations in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
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