Sir Shina Peters, born Oluwashina Akanbi Peters on 30 May 1958, is one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians and the creative force behind Afro Juju, a vibrant evolution of traditional juju music that transformed the country’s popular sound from the late 1980s onward. His rise marked a turning point in Nigerian music, introducing speed, energy, and modern instrumentation to a genre deeply rooted in tradition.
Born in Ogun State, Nigeria, Peters developed an early interest in music during his youth. He learned instruments informally and began performing with friends while still young. One of his earliest musical efforts was an amateur group known as Olushina and His Twelve Fantastic Brothers, where he gained foundational experience in rhythm, performance, and group coordination.
Learning the Juju Craft
As he grew older, Peters moved into professional music circles. He worked closely with Chief Ebenezer Obey, one of juju music’s leading figures, before joining the band of General Prince Adekunle as a guitarist. This period proved decisive. Regular performances, long rehearsals, and demanding live shows sharpened his musical skill and stage confidence.
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Performing at prominent Lagos venues, including hotels known for live band entertainment, Peters refined his performance style and developed a strong stage presence. These years helped shape his understanding of audience engagement and musical endurance, essential qualities for success in Nigeria’s competitive live music scene.
Partnership and Artistic Independence
In the early 1980s, Peters entered a creative partnership with Segun Adewale, performing as Shina Adewale and the Superstars International. The collaboration expanded his visibility and allowed him to experiment further with musical structure and presentation. Over time, creative differences led both artists to pursue independent paths.
Peters went on to form Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars, taking full control of his artistic direction. This move marked the beginning of his most influential period and set the stage for a major transformation in juju music.
The Birth of Afro Juju
In 1989, Sir Shina Peters released Ace, Afro Juju Series 1, an album that changed the course of Nigerian popular music. The project introduced a faster tempo, extended instrumental sections, bold keyboard lines, and saxophone driven melodies, all supported by energetic choreography and commanding stage delivery.
The sound captured the imagination of a younger audience and gave rise to what became known as Afro Juju. The album’s success sparked a cultural movement often described as Shinamania, as fans embraced both the music and the flamboyant performance style that accompanied it.
Sustained Success and Cultural Impact
Following the success of Ace, Peters released several more albums that sustained his popularity into the early 1990s. Releases such as Shinamania, Dancing Time, and Experience reinforced his position as a dominant figure in Nigerian music. His performances attracted large crowds and extended his influence beyond Nigeria to audiences across West Africa and the diaspora.
During this period, Sir Shina Peters became synonymous with high energy juju music, blending tradition with modern sound and visual presentation.
Life Beyond the Stage
Sir Shina Peters was romantically involved with Nigerian actress Clarion Chukwura, and they have a son, Clarence Peters, who later rose to prominence as a leading music video director and producer. Peters later married Sammie Ayoka Peters, with their relationship developing over time through traditional rites before a formal legal marriage.
In addition to music, Peters appeared in the Nigerian film Money Power, Owo L’agba, a production associated with filmmaker Ola Balogun, reflecting the close connection between Nigeria’s music and film industries during that era.
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Faith and Later Years
In 2021, Sir Shina Peters was ordained as a bishop in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Lagos. His ordination reflected a deep personal faith and a lifelong connection to church music and spiritual life.
Today, Sir Shina Peters remains a towering figure in Nigerian cultural history. His work reshaped juju music, expanded its audience, and demonstrated how traditional sound could evolve without losing its identity.
Author’s Note
Sir Shina Peters’ story is one of reinvention rooted in tradition. From his early days learning juju music to the Afro Juju revolution that defined a generation, his career shows how creativity, discipline, and cultural pride can leave a lasting mark. His legacy lives on in the sound, energy, and confidence of Nigerian popular music today.
References
Shina Peters biography, Wikipedia
Afro Juju by Sir Shina Peters, Bellafricana
Sir Shina Peters profile, African Music Library
