Public Advisory: August Wahh drops two-track single 'Samokan / Called Ur Bluff'
Produced by UK-based duo Guilty Keys, ‘Samokan / Called Ur Bluff’ includes August Wahh’s first song in her native dialect and a love letter to the system.
On first listen, you might understand nothing. But as the beat kicks in, you’ll recognise the vibe, the style, the feel of August Wahh. Singing in her native dialect, the R&B singer drops an infectious, highly-charged single ‘Samokan’ featuring Atlanta-based Cebuano rapper Cookie$. While ‘Samokan’ is a snappy, sassy, taray track, ‘Called Ur Bluff’ has a trappy swag that demands for change after spiralling stagnation. It reminds us that “One ego gone mad affects the rest / Didn’t you know that?” The cover art is a statement crafted electrocaïne, reminiscent of the compact disc (CD’s). It shows a young August Wahh, with her dog, cradling a rifle loaded with flowers, on an armoured vehicle. They seem to have crashed a tea-party and have something cheeky to say. The music video plays on the concept of bondage-as-anger-management, where a hostile man goes into a bizarre clinic for an unconventional treatment session.
“The most literal translation for samokan in English is annoying. It’s about the nuisances in life - whether people or systems,” says August. When asked if the song came to her in Bisaya, she shares “Yes, definitely. I wanted to prove to myself that I can write in my dialect, and I found it easier than expected since I actually do think in Bisaya. It’s my first language.”
The beat is a skippy, palpable groove that’s irresistible to move to. Produced by Guilty Jim and Allen Keys aka Guilty Keys, the vibe evolves and carries over to the second track, ‘Called Ur Bluff’ which was also produced by the UK-based duo.
“Called Ur Bluff is definitely more upfront with the message as compared to samokan,” August says. “Samokan is coming from a humorous perspective, taking a grave situation and talking about how annoying it is. ‘Called Ur Bluff’ is telling you why it’s annoying, why it’s a hassle.” The track is sung in English but delivered with the same ego-shattering call outs.
Having grown up around nature and danger, August is no stranger to conflict and calm. The two tracks share a similar theme and sonic frequency: somewhat tea-spilling, yet with a strong sense of composure. Released as a two-track single, ‘Samokan’ / ‘Called Ur Bluff’ are mirrors of each other, bearing a truth found in translation. “I was charged up by what was happening around me, around the world.” August shares. It’s the same message conveyed through different channels - and once again, August Wahh tells you straight and sings it like it is.
Stream ‘Samokan / Called Ur Bluff’ below: