Comedian and actor Bovi has paid an emotional tribute to the late Nigerian director and playwright Kayode Peters, highlighting how the veteran filmmaker inspired him long before they crossed paths.
Peters, best known as the creative force behind the beloved sitcom Flatmates, passed away in June while in Canada. His funeral took place on Saturday, August 2, at Milton Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario, following a service at McKersie & Early House Funeral Home.
In a touching Instagram post on Sunday, Bovi reflected on the early influence Flatmates had on his decision to become a content creator. He shared how, as a newcomer in Lagos chasing his dreams, the show became a source of motivation.
READ MORE: Filmmaker Kayode Peters Laid To Rest In Canada
“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,” Bovi wrote.
“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.”
Bovi also recounted how amazed he was by Peters’ humility when they finally met, especially regarding the show’s credits.
“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?”
Despite the admiration, Bovi revealed that their first interaction didn’t go as he had hoped. He recalled calling Peters to seek advice but left the conversation feeling brushed off.
“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.”
Looking back, Bovi admitted that moment stirred a feeling of rejection, which he unknowingly channeled into creative fuel.
“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!”
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