Filipino-Dutch singer-songwriter Acoya ushers in a new chapter in his music career with “DUI,” his first single under ABS-CBN Music International (AMI).
Based in Los Angeles, the pop-R&B artist is among the pioneering acts of AMI, a joint venture between ABS-CBN Music and ABS-CBN Global created to bring Filipino music and talent to audiences around the world. Acoya trained at the Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production and was mentored by Grammy-winning production duo Stargate, experiences that have helped shape his contemporary sound and global musical perspective.
Co-written with Eric Bonner, “DUI” puts a playful spin on the familiar term “driving under the influence,” turning it into a metaphor for the intoxicating effects of attraction. Rather than alcohol, the song explores the rush of falling so deeply for someone that rational thinking and self-control begin to disappear.
“I wanted to write a song about that moment when someone completely throws you off your game,” Acoya shared. “You know you’re moving too fast. You know you should probably slow down. But there’s a part of you that doesn’t want to hit the brakes.”
The song’s music video expands on the concept, portraying romance as a thrilling game of temptation. Through flirtatious moments and cinematic visuals, the video captures the excitement of giving in to an attraction that feels impossible to resist.
“At its core, it’s a love song disguised as a warning sign,” Acoya explained. “It’s about being so drawn to someone that you willingly give up control, even when you know exactly where it might lead.”
Known for combining contemporary pop and R&B with candid storytelling, Acoya first introduced his artistry with “Loverboy” in 2024. He followed it with “Dreaming,” “Casanova,” and “Is It Cool?”, steadily building a catalog that reflects his evolving sound and perspective as an artist.
With “DUI,” Acoya takes another step forward, bringing his music to a wider audience while embracing the thrill, danger, and undeniable rush of losing control to love.
Listen to Acoya’s “DUI,” available now on all major digital streaming platforms.
