Renowned Nigerian music video director, Clarence Peters, has candidly reflected on his relationship with his father, legendary juju musician Shina Peters, and the lessons he has drawn from his father’s past, particularly regarding his treatment of women.
Speaking on a recent episode of the WithChude podcast, Peters delved into his father’s missteps, acknowledging that Shina, now 66, failed to shield his mother, veteran actress Clarion Chukwura, 60, from professional sabotage within the industry. He disclosed that witnessing his mother’s struggles left an indelible mark on him, shaping his own approach to relationships.
A Painful Past and Hard Lessons
“My dad messed up—saying ‘messed up’ is even putting it lightly,” Peters admitted. “His colleagues blacklisted my mother at a time when she was already grappling with deep-seated trauma from her past.”
He explained how working on Inside Life—a project based on real-life experiences—helped him unearth painful family truths. “Episode five was written by my cousin, who lived through those events. When my mother read the script, she broke down in tears because it mirrored her own experiences,” he revealed.
Regrets and Redemption
Peters emphasized that while his father once enjoyed affluence, luxury, and the company of many women, time has shifted his priorities. “He’s had wealth, driven the finest cars, lived in the most opulent homes, and traveled the world. But now, as he approaches 70, he faces the certainty of mortality. His only recourse is to seek divine forgiveness.”
Despite their complicated history, Peters refrains from passing judgment on his father. “I recognize that I, too, have made some of the mistakes he did. Though I was raised by my mother, one of my greatest fears has always been becoming my father in the way I treat women. I’ve seen glimpses of that in myself, so I won’t claim to be a saint.”
Acknowledging his own flaws, he added, “I would love to judge him, but I am not in a position to do so.”
This article was updated 21 hours ago
