Veteran Afro‑Juju Star Shina Peters Opens Up About Leaving Home at Age 10
Nollywood musician Shina Peters has shared a candid and emotional account of why he left his family home at the tender age of 10. The legendary Afro‑jujù singer revealed in a recent interview on the The Honest Bunch podcast that dire financial circumstances and a deep sense of responsibility propelled his early departure.
Childhood hardships and early decision
Peters explained that his parents were struggling to afford decent accommodation for the family, often resorting to makeshift sleeping arrangements during holidays in the bustling district of Oshodi. He recounted:
“What led me to leave my parents at 10 is because they don’t have money to rent a room and a parlour… The only room, anytime we are having holidays, I always go to Oshodi. They will spread a mat, me I will sleep on the mat… then I will not be able to sleep.”
It was this discomfort, combined with witnessing his parents’ struggles, that prompted Peters to say to himself:
“Go outside there and find life for yourself.”
A bold step into independence
Determined to change his own circumstances, and to avoid returning home as a “failure”, Peters declared his intention to leave. He recalled waking his parents and saying:
“Papa, mama, me I dey go.” They asked, “Go where? Tomorrow morning you’re supposed to go to St. Peter’s School, Abeokuta.” I said, “Forget about education now, let me find my level, let me find myself.” Then I did it at age 10.”
He emphasised that his decision was driven by a spiritual conviction and a sense of uniqueness: “I’m a special spiritual boy. I fast 60, 90 days… Because I’m a special spiritual boy.”
Reflections on success and legacy
Looking back, Peters recalled returning years later as a successful musician with a message for his younger self and others:
“Music is not ‘sere‑sere things’ that they’re doing now. If you want to be an icon in the industry, a legend, you have to go extra miles.”
He also poignantly recalled the state of his family home when he visited after making it in the music world:
“I left the house with 10 rooms, ‘face me I face you’ rooms, I met 2 because … they broke the house. … Each time all these things reflect, I work extra miles.”
Why this story matters
Peters’ revelation brings attention to the less glamorous side of the entertainment world, the sacrifices, the young age at which many begin their fight for survival, and the personal stories behind public stardom. It highlights how personal adversity can fuel creative ambition, and how early life decisions can shape an artist’s trajectory.