Award-winning Nigerian rapper Panshak Zamani, popularly known as Ice Prince, has publicly shared his ongoing battle with smoking, revealing a deep personal regret that has made quitting more difficult than expected. The rapper, known for hits like Oleku and Aboki, expressed his desire to give up cannabis use but admitted that his ability to roll it himself has become a major obstacle in his journey to quit.
Speaking candidly on a recent episode of the Konnected Minds podcast, Ice Prince reflected on his history with smoking and the habits he developed early in his music career. According to the Jos-born rapper, learning how to roll cannabis was a turning point in his smoking behavior—one he now wishes had never happened.
“One of the things that I wish I could unlearn is how to roll cannabis,” he said during the interview. “I wish I had never learned that because if I hadn’t learned it, I would probably smoke with a bit of moderation or not even smoke.”
The rapper explained that knowing how to roll marijuana has made it far easier for him to indulge, especially during studio sessions or at the start of his day. This self-reliance, he revealed, has created a routine that is now difficult to break.
“But because I know how to roll, I smoke whenever I wake or in the studio,” he confessed. “I don’t let anyone roll cannabis for me.”
Despite his admission, Ice Prince was quick to clarify that he has stayed away from hard drugs or dangerous substances often mixed with cannabis. He emphasized that his cannabis use is limited and not laced with any illicit enhancements.
“I don’t do drugs, I don’t mix cannabis with any crazy stuff,” he stressed. “I wish I had never learned how to roll.”
Struggles Behind the Spotlight
Ice Prince’s revelation sheds light on a broader issue facing many young creatives in the Nigerian entertainment industry—substance use and the challenges of moderation. With a career spanning over a decade and numerous accolades to his name, Ice Prince is one of Nigeria’s most respected rappers. His honesty about his smoking habit has sparked discussions online, with fans praising him for his vulnerability.
Mental health advocates and lifestyle experts have also weighed in, noting that his story highlights the link between habit-forming behavior and accessibility. Many believe Ice Prince’s confession could be a wake-up call for younger artists and fans who may underestimate the long-term impact of recreational smoking.
A Call for Self-Control and Discipline
Ice Prince’s comments have been interpreted by many as a self-reflective moment—one that acknowledges personal flaws and the desire for change. By speaking openly, he joins a growing list of Nigerian celebrities who have taken steps to confront their habits and encourage healthier choices.
Health experts have long warned about the dangers of cannabis abuse, especially in young adults. While cannabis is still illegal in Nigeria, its use is increasingly common among youth and in entertainment circles. Experts say that forming habits around cannabis, such as rolling it personally or integrating it into daily routines, can lead to dependency and make quitting significantly more difficult.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
Following the release of the podcast episode, fans flooded social media with messages of support and encouragement. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #IcePrince and #CannabisAwareness began trending as people shared their own experiences and praised the rapper’s honesty.
One user wrote, “It takes a real man to admit he wants to quit. Ice Prince showing growth. We love to see it.”
Another tweeted, “That line—‘I wish I never learned to roll’—is deeper than music. So many habits start small and become hard to break. Respect to Ice Prince for being real.”
Others have called for more celebrities to use their platforms to raise awareness about addiction, mental health, and personal responsibility.
Celebrity Advocacy and Cultural Shifts
As the Nigerian music industry continues to evolve, more artists are beginning to open up about their personal lives, mental health, and challenges off the stage. In recent years, artists like Olamide, BNXN (formerly Buju), and Victony have discussed various aspects of fame, including pressure, coping mechanisms, and the importance of discipline.
Ice Prince’s candidness marks a new chapter in celebrity advocacy, where being open about one’s struggles is not seen as weakness but as strength. Many fans and commentators believe this level of honesty can help demystify drug use among young people and encourage more responsible behavior.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Change
Ice Prince’s admission that he wishes he never learned how to roll cannabis is not just a personal confession—it’s a bold step toward self-awareness and change. While he has not confirmed whether he has taken concrete steps to quit smoking entirely, his words signal a readiness to confront the issue head-on.
By speaking up, the rapper may have unknowingly sparked a larger conversation around drug culture in Nigerian entertainment, the importance of self-discipline, and the power of unlearning harmful habits.
For fans and fellow artists alike, Ice Prince’s story is a reminder that the road to self-improvement begins with honesty—and sometimes, the first step is simply wishing you had never picked up that habit in the first place.
