Renowned Nigerian music video director Clarence Peters has spoken candidly about his complex relationship with his father, legendary juju musician Shina Peters.
During a recent appearance on the WithChude podcast, Peters, 41, addressed his father’s past mistakes, particularly regarding his treatment of women, and how these missteps shaped his own approach to relationships.
The conversation, raw and introspective, revealed the lasting impact of his father’s actions on his mother, veteran actress Clarion Chukwura, 60, whose career and well-being, he claims, suffered due to industry blackballing.
Peters did not mince words when describing his father’s shortcomings, admitting that Shina Peters, now 66, “screwed up” by failing to protect Chukwura from the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. According to him, his mother endured significant struggles, compounded by the systemic exclusion she faced due to his father’s actions.
“My dad screwed up. I mean, using the word ‘screwed up’ is me putting it lightly because his colleagues blackballed my mum, and she was already dealing with a lot of trauma from when she was young,” Peters stated.
His reflections became even more poignant as he discussed the making of Inside Life, a project that inadvertently unearthed family wounds. Episode 5, he revealed, was written by his cousin—someone who had personally witnessed the pain his mother endured. When Clarion Chukwura read the script, she was moved to tears, realizing how much of her own experience mirrored the story being told.
“My mum told me recently that he has been with women, drove some of the amazing cars, stayed in the best houses, hotels, he has had money. But he is approaching his 70s, and death is certain because we are all going to die,” Peters reflected. “All he can do now is pray to God to forgive him. That is all he has left.”
The conversation was not just about airing grievances but also about reconciliation and understanding. Peters admitted that while his father’s past mistakes deeply affected him, he has also made errors of his own.
Perhaps the most profound takeaway from the interview was Peters’ admission of his greatest fear—repeating his father’s mistakes. Having been raised primarily by his mother, he made a conscious effort to ensure that he did not replicate his father’s approach to relationships.
“One of my greatest fears was not to be my father to the opposite sex. I have been a version of that, so I am not a saint. So I cannot judge him,” he confessed. “I would like to, but I am in no position to.”
