Celebrated Nigerian music video director Clarence Peters has revealed that he forgave his father, Afro-Juju icon Sir Shina Peters, long before they ever had a conversation about their fractured relationship.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the prolific filmmaker shared how personal growth and introspection helped him come to terms with their past.
According to Clarence, the turning point came when he realised he had made many of the same missteps his father did—something that gave him a new perspective.
“I made every mistake my father made,” he said.
“I was just fortunate that time and technology lessened the damage in my case. The moment I recognised that, I forgave him—even before we had any real conversation. That was around 2014 or 2015. That moment marked my true beginning of adulthood. And to be honest, I’m still evolving. That process never really ends.”
Now 41, Clarence is the son of iconic actress Clarion Chukwura and music legend Shina Peters. Despite his fame and legacy in the entertainment world, his early years were filled with emotional complexities and distant parental relationships.
In a February 2025 conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Clarence admitted he had once harboured resentment toward his father over how he treated his mother.
“I would have loved to judge my dad for how he treated my mother, but I don’t think I’m in the position to,” he said honestly.
He also spoke about the pressure to not repeat those same patterns in his own romantic life—though he acknowledged he still falls short at times.
“I’ve tried not to be like my dad when it comes to women… but I’m not without my own flaws.”
In past interviews, Clarence also disclosed that his mother once considered terminating her pregnancy with him but eventually changed her mind after believing he was the reincarnation of her late father, who died when she was 11.
