Celebrated music video director Clarence Peters has revealed the deep emotional struggles he faced growing up as the son of Afro-Juju icon Shina Peters and Nollywood veteran Clarion Chukwurah.
In a recent interview, Clarence admitted that being raised in the shadow of his famous parents left him with emotional trauma, making him uncomfortable with the spotlight. This discomfort shaped his career path, leading him to work behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera.
Clarence also disclosed that his upbringing contributed to his battle with impostor syndrome, a psychological condition marked by persistent self-doubt despite evident success. He confessed that for a long time, he avoided attaching his name to his projects, even as his music videos gained international recognition.
“I grew up with famous parents, and some of my trauma stemmed from them being in the limelight—I didn’t like that,” he shared.
He further recounted how a close friend and colleague eventually tricked him into adding his name to his work. “I didn’t even want to put my name on music videos, but a friend I used to edit with insisted on adding it, and there was nothing I could do about it,” he recalled.
Reflecting on his journey, Clarence admitted that self-doubt plagued his early years, making him question his talent. However, he credited his mother, Clarion Chukwurah, for recognizing his potential long before he did.
I wasn’t sure about my talent. The only person who was certain—even before I started showing it—was my mother. She firmly believed it’s in the genes,” he said.
Despite his early struggles, Clarence Peters has become one of Nigeria’s most sought-after music video directors, with his work shaping the visuals of the country’s entertainment industry.
