New Light (Modola EP)
| New Light | |
|---|---|
| EP by | |
| Released | 31 July 2025 |
| Recorded | 2024–2025 |
| Genre |
|
| Length | 14:00 |
| Label | PG Records |
| Producer |
|
New Light is the debut extended play (EP) by Nigerian singer-songwriter Modola. It was released on 31 July 2025 through PG Records.
She signed her first recording deal with PG Records after spending time on TikTok posting freestyles and relocating from Italy to Nigeria. Modola shared her first original track on her page in 2024 and began working on her debut EP in 2024. For the project, Modola teamed up with producers Niphkeys, Bola BMH, Mansa Jabulani, Oodun, and Skitter. The EP combines R&B and Afrobeat influences with Afropop.[1] New Light received mixed reviews from critics.
Background and release
[edit | edit source]In 2024, Modola signed her first recording contract with PG Records and began working on New Light. The EP was produced by Niphkeys, Bola BMH, Mansa Jabulani, Oodun, and Skitter, and features six tracks that blend Afropop, soul, amapiano, and contemporary pop influences.[2]
New Light was released on 31 July 2025 through PG Records, She described the EP as “a love letter to every young woman who refuses to be boxed in,” exploring themes of self-empowerment, ambition, and emotional authenticity.[3]
To promote the EP, Modola performed select tracks at live events, including Felabration 2025 at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.[4] "New Light" received airplay on national radio stations like Soundcity FM, The Beat 99.9 FM, Urban Radio, Trace Africa, and Cool FM.[5]
Reception
[edit | edit source]In a review for This Day, Emmanuel Esomnofu described the project as “contemplative and fearlessly defiant,” praising its emotional clarity and Modola’s ability to balance vulnerability with confidence. The publication also highlighted the EP’s production quality, noting that its cohesive sound “reflects an artist with a clear creative identity.[6] Similarly, The Guardian described the EP “a magical and experiential 14-minute journey,” commending Modola’s multilingual transitions and her “blend of European finesse with distinctly Nigerian storytelling.”[3]
The Lagos Review praised New Light for its “tight sequencing and replay value,” arguing that the EP shows “remarkable discipline,” with no track feeling like filler.[2] Music critic Emmanuel Daraloye of New Telegraph praised how Modola draws from both her Nigerian roots and international influences, noting that her lyrics in English, Yoruba, and Italian give the EP a distinctive cross-cultural feel. He added that New Light showcases her artistic vision.[5] The EP reached number 9 on the Nigeria Boomplay charts for the months of August and September, including the tracks "Billing" and "No Stress[7]," which reached numbers 47 and 56 on the Tanzania Boomplay Chart.[8] The album had accumulated over 2 million streams by August 11, 2025.[9]
Track listing
[edit | edit source]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Talk" | Temidola Awosika | Skitter | 2:05 |
| 2. | "Masun" | Temidola Awosika | Niphkeys | 2:32 |
| 3. | "Oro Owo" | Temidola Awosika | Mansa Jabulani | 2:25 |
| 4. | "Billing" | Temidola Awosika | Oodun | 2:12 |
| 5. | "No Stress" | Temidola Awosika | Bola BMH | 2:18 |
| 6. | "Kontrolla" | Temidola Awosika | Skitter | 2:28 |
| Total length: | 14:00 | |||
Release history
[edit | edit source]| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 31 July 2025 |
|
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).