Nigerian music video director Clarence Peters has opened up about his complex relationship with his father, legendary juju singer Shina Peters.
Speaking on the WithChude podcast, Peters reflected on his father’s past mistakes, particularly his treatment of women, and how it shaped his own approach to relationships.
He expressed that Shina, now 66, had "messed up" by failing to protect his mother, actress Clarion Chukwura, 60, who he claimed was ostracized by his father’s colleagues.
The 41-year-old revealed that witnessing this had a deep impact on him, leading him to make a conscious effort not to repeat the same mistakes in his own relationships.
“My dad messed up—saying ‘messed up’ is actually putting it mildly. His colleagues blacklisted my mum, and she was already dealing with a lot of trauma from her younger years,” he shared.
He also mentioned that working on Inside Life helped him uncover things he hadn’t known before. In particular, episode five, written by his cousin, resonated deeply with his mother, who became emotional upon reading the script because it mirrored her own experiences.
Peters acknowledged that times were different back then. He recalled his mother telling him that Shina had enjoyed wealth, luxury, and relationships with many women but is now approaching 70, reflecting on his past and seeking God’s forgiveness.
“We’ve talked about it. My father has made mistakes—some of which I have also made—so I can’t judge him. I understand his missteps because I’ve been guilty of some myself,” he admitted.
Despite being raised by his mother, Peters confessed that one of his greatest fears was becoming like his father in his relationships with women. “I have been a version of that, so I’m no saint. I wish I could judge him, but I’m not in a position to,” he concluded.
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