Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi has penned an emotional note to the late movie director, Kayode Peters.
Kemi Filani reported in June that the Nigerian film and stage producer died in Canada.
On Saturday, August 2nd, the film director was finally laid to rest in Canada. His funeral service was held at the McKersie & Early House Funeral Home before his body was moved to the Milton Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario, where it was interred.
In an Instagram post, Bovi paid his last respects to the late director and recounted how he fell in love with the director by watching his movie, Flatmates. He said that when he finally got to meet KP, as he is fondly called, he was surprised at his humility.
Bovi, however, admitted that their relationship had a rocky start. He recalled his first phone conversation with KP and how he wanted him to work on his sitcom, which he never did. Bovi said his lack of impatience made him feel KP had turned down his request, so he bore an artificial grudge and used it as fuel.
“Long before the internet became an endless distraction, when phones were simply for calling and texting, I’d spend my weekend afternoons watching all the sitcoms. The standout one was flatmates. I was new in Lagos, a journey I had embarked on without the permission of my parents but with the blind fate of my burning desire to be an entertainer. After enjoying flatmates, I’d watch the end credits, and that’s how I noticed Kayode Peters. Attached to his name was the title of creator and writer. But something else caught my attention. The executive producer was El-shaddai. When I’d later get to meet KP, as he was fondly called, I realised he was so humble, he refused to give himself the credit of being executive producer. Looking back now, that wasn’t humility. It was a deep heart of gratitude. Something that served as a reminder for him that it was all God. It was his way of saying thank you
Flatmates heavily influenced my decision and courage to start my own show, Extended family. That’s why in the extended family, I opted not to put my name as executive producer in the credits. I was so scared that I might be seen as proud because KP didn’t take his credits. Why should I?
But our relationship had a rocky start. I had searched for KP’s number and put a call through. “My name is Bovi and I’m a fan of your show. I’m creating my own sitcom and I’d like to meet you to get some tips on how to go about it”, I had said to kp in our first ever call. “I’m on set working now. I wouldn’t have the time”. “It can be during your lunch break if you don’t mind. I promise not to take your time” I pressed. He said he’d let me know when he has the time. The time never came. I also never waited. I pushed on and created the show. At the time my only motivation for doing things was perceived offense. I had felt slighted that he turned down the request of a stranger so I bore an artificial grudge and used it as fuel!”.
