Well-known, talented ShaunMusiq ft Eemoh – “Askies I am Sorry” (track 10 off his “Missing Piece” album)
Eemoh started in hip hop before jumping over to Amapiano, and that background still informs the way he tackles vocals The title translates to something like “sorry, I’m sorry,” giving this song the same remorseful heft as some of the album’s other emotive pieces. It has the same vibe as “Ngiyaxolisa”, and is even put earlier on the tracklist.
The instrumental follows ShaunMusiq’s tried and true style, featuring warm piano work over steady rolling percussion. There is no haste here; the mood slowly creeps in, rather than forcing an early climax. That meticulous build-up has continued through on almost every cut on this record.
ShaunMusiq maintains his production tight and layered without over-crowding the mix. He allows Eemoh’s vocals to sit nicely over the beat. That restraint has been one of the most consistent qualities about his sound over all 21 tracks.
Eemoh really adds some feeling to his delivery here, going for vulnerability rather than forcing the emotion. That earnestness works nicely for the album’s more introspective passages.
“Askies I am Sorry” works because it doesn’t strive to be bigger than the sentiment it’s based around. All the way through, everything is subtle and honest. That is the restraint that makes it feel like a real apology and not just hollow theater.
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