Clarence Peters, a Nigerian music video director, recently discussed his complex relationship with his father, renowned juju musician Shina Peters, and how his father’s past mistakes influenced his own approach to relationships.
During an episode of the WithChude podcast, Peters opened up about his father’s failings, particularly how Shina treated women, and how these experiences shaped his views. He pointed out that his father, now 66, failed to protect his mother, actress Clarion Chukwura, 60, who faced blackballing by his colleagues.
At 41, Peters explained that the emotional toll this had on him led to a personal commitment not to repeat his father’s errors in his own relationships with women. “My dad messed up—‘messed up’ is putting it lightly,” he said. “His colleagues blackballed my mum, who was already dealing with a lot of trauma from her younger years.”
Peters reflected on how the difficult experiences his family faced impacted him, including how his mother reacted to his script for Inside Life. “My mum read the script, and she cried because she recognized much of what she went through,” he shared.
He acknowledged the different time period his parents lived through, adding that his father has lived a life of luxury but now faces the reality of aging. “My mum recently said that my dad’s had everything—women, cars, the best homes. But now, as he approaches his 70s, all he can do is pray for forgiveness,” Peters said.
While he believes his father made mistakes, Peters expressed that he, too, has made his own. “I can’t judge him, because I’ve made similar mistakes,” he admitted. “One of my greatest fears was becoming like him when it comes to women. I try not to be, but I’m not perfect either.”
He emphasized that, despite being raised by his mother, he understands his father’s flaws. “I can relate to the mistakes he’s made. I’m not a saint. I may want to judge him, but I’m not in a position to.”
Story by Obaapa Janee
