Asake just released the music video for “Forgiveness” on May 9, 2026. The track is from his M$NEY album, which broke Spotify Nigeria’s streaming record with 37.5 million streams in six days.
“Forgiveness” is the most vulnerable song on the album. It’s a prayer where Asake asks God to forgive him for his mistakes while promising to do better going forward.
About The Video & Lyrics “Forgiveness”
The video matches the song’s introspective mood. Asake appears in different settings, some scenes show him alone in open spaces, others show him surrounded by people. The cinematography uses natural lighting and muted colors.
Magicsticks and Nana Ntorinkansah produced “Forgiveness.” The production is calm Afrobeats, rhythmic but slowed down compared to Asake’s usual high-energy sound.
The chorus opens with: “Forgiveness, forgiveness / Father, forgive me / For all the bad, bad things / Wey I don do-o, do-o.”
Then he makes a promise: “Consistency, consistency / I promise to remain consistent / In my positive action.”
The first verse is where Asake gets specific about his mistakes. He lists them directly: “Too many girls wey I fuck up / Too many friends wey I cut off / Just dey smoke, just dey jogo / I dey overtake as a top boy.”
He’s admitting to damaging relationships with women, cutting people off while chasing success, and smoking too much. These aren’t vague admissions, they’re specific regrets.
Then he switches to Yoruba: “Mo ti gìrán jù, èmi stubborn” which means “I’ve been too stubborn.” The language switch makes it feel more personal, like he’s talking to himself rather than performing for an audience.
He continues in Yoruba: “Mo bá’nú sọ, mi ò bá ènìyàn sọ / Ọba Ọlọ́run, ìwọ l’ọ̀rẹ́ mi.” This translates to “I confide in God, I don’t confide in people / King of kings, you are my friend.”
The song explains why it’s structured as a prayer, Asake doesn’t trust people with his problems, only God. The song ends with “Nobody perfect, padi mi” (Nobody’s perfect, my friend), which could be directed at God, the listener, or both.
Other Notable Achievements
Asake has two Grammy nominations and holds the record for the most entries on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with 62 entries. He’s sold out Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena. He’s also one of the most-streamed artists on Spotify Nigeria.
“Forgiveness” debuts at #181 on the global Spotify chart with 1.371 million streams.
Why the Song Resonates
The video and lyrics work together to show that success doesn’t erase mistakes. Asake is being honest about the struggles he faces, damaged relationships, poor choices, and the constant need for forgiveness.
These are the same struggles a lot of people deal with every day. That’s why “Forgiveness” connects with audiences on a deeper level beyond just being another Afrobeats release.
