Clarence Abiodun Peters, popular Nigerian music video director, filmmaker, and cinematographer has shared insights into his complex relationship with his father, Afro-Juju legend Shina Peters.
During a conversation on the WithChude podcast, Clarence opened up about the emotional effects of his father’s past, particularly his involvement with multiple women and his failure to shield his mother, veteran actress Clarion Chukwura, from industry challenges.
He explained that his father’s choices and the backlash his mother faced in the entertainment industry deeply shaped his own perspective on relationships. He emphasized that he has made a conscious decision to avoid repeating those mistakes.
“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,” he said.
With sincerity and understanding, Clarence acknowledged his father’s humanity, recognizing that Shina Peters, who is nearing 70, can only seek forgiveness from God for his past actions.
Clarence recounted how working on the show Inside Life helped him uncover parts of his family’s painful history. One episode, written by his cousin, resonated with his mother so deeply that it moved her to tears.
“In making ‘Inside Life’, I started to discover some of the things I did not know. Episode 5 of ‘Inside Life’ is written by my cousin who went through that and so my mum went through the script and started crying because she also went through the same thing.
“We keep forgetting that it was a different time. My dad 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. He is approaching his 70s, death is certain because we are all going to die.
“My dad told me, ‘I’ve lived life, enjoyed the best things, and made many mistakes. Now, all I can do is pray for God’s mercy,’” Clarence shared.
Despite his father’s errors, Clarence expressed empathy, noting that he too has made mistakes in his relationships. He admitted that one of his greatest fears growing up was becoming like his father in how he treated women, yet he recognized that he is not perfect either.
“As much as I was raised by mother, 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. I would like to but I am in the position to,” he said.
