Clarence Peters Opens Up on Father’s Mistakes: ‘I Didn’t Want to Be Like Him’
Clarence Peters Opens Up on Father’s Mistakes: ‘I Didn’t Want to Be Like Him’
Renowned music video director Clarence Peters has spoken candidly about his decision not to follow in the footsteps of his father, music legend Shina Peters.
During an interview on the WithChude podcast, Clarence reflected on the impact of his father’s past actions, particularly regarding his treatment of women and the way his mother, actress Clarion Chukwura, was affected by industry backlash.
Clarence admitted that his father’s mistakes have shaped his approach to relationships, prompting him to make a conscious effort to avoid repeating them.
With honesty and introspection, he also acknowledged his father’s mortality, recognizing that at nearly 70 years old, Shina Peters is in a phase of seeking forgiveness.
He said: “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.”
Speaking about the personal realizations he has had over time, Clarence shared how his recent work on Inside Life helped him uncover painful family truths.
“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.”
Clarence also recounted a deep conversation with his father, in which Shina Peters reflected on his past.
“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.
“All he can do now is pray to God to forgive him and that is all that he has and so we have had that conversation. My father has made mistakes that I have also made, so I can’t judge him. I can relate to the mistakes that my father has made.”
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Clarence admitted that despite being raised by his mother, he had always feared becoming like his father in relationships.
“As much as I was raised by my 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.”
His candid revelations offer insight into the complex emotions surrounding family legacies, forgiveness, and personal growth.
