New Light (Modola EP)

New Light
EP by
Modola
Released31 July 2025 (2025-07-31)
Recorded2024–2025
GenresAfropop, Afro-fusion, soul
Length14:00
Labels
  • PG Records Entertainment
  • Base World
Producers
  • Niphkeys
  • Bola BMH
  • Mansa Jabulani
  • Oodun
  • Skitter

New Light is the debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Modola. It was released through Baseworld and PG Records on July 31, 2025. The EP was produced by Niphkeys, Bola BMH, Mansa Jabulani, Oodun, and Skitter.

Background and release

In 2024, following the release of "Talk" as the lead single, Modola signed her first recording contract with Baseworld and PG Records and commenced work on New Light.[1][2] The EP was produced by Niphkeys, Bola BMH, Mansa Jabulani, Oodun, and Skitter, and comprises six tracks blending Afropop, soul, amapiano, and contemporary pop influences.[3] On the EP, Modola noted.[4]

This EP is my love letter to every young woman who refuses to be boxed in,” Modola shared. “Whether it’s the grind of ‘Masun’ or the freedom of ‘No Stress’, I want my music to remind you—your light doesn’t need permission to shine.[4]

Modola performing No Stress in Addis Ababa Ethiopia 2025

New Light was released on 31 July 2025 through PG Records and Base World.[5] To promote the EP, Modola performed select tracks at live events, including Felabration 2025 at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.[6] "New Light" received airplay on national radio stations like Soundcity FM, The Beat 99.9 FM, Urban Radio, Trace Africa, and Cool FM.[7] On November 9, Modola headlined the Africa Celebrates event in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, becoming the first Nigerian Afrobeats artist to perform at the event. During her performance, she performed her singles "Talk," "Billing," and "Oro Owo".[8]

Reception

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.[9] 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".[5]

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.[4] 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.[7] The EP reached number 9 on the Nigeria Boomplay charts for the months of August and September, including the tracks "Billing" and "No Stress,[10]" which reached numbers 47 and 56 on the Tanzania Boomplay Chart.[11] The album had accumulated over 2 million streams by August 11, 2025.[12] It was listed by The Guardian Nigeria among the "2025 Albums That Defined the Year in Nigeria".[13]

Track listing

New Light track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Talk"Temidola AwosikaSkitter2:05
2."Masun"Temidola AwosikaNiphkeys2:32
3."Oro Owo"Temidola AwosikaMansa Jabulani2:25
4."Billing"Temidola AwosikaOodun2:12
5."No Stress"Temidola AwosikaBola BMH2:18
6."Kontrolla"Temidola AwosikaSkitter2:28
Total length:14:00

Release history

Release history and formats for New Light
Region Date Format Label
Various 31 July 2025
  • PG Records
  • Base World

References

  1. ^ "Modola". Music In Africa. 2026-01-19. Retrieved 2026-06-09.
  2. ^ "Modola: My parents didn't support my music career, I left Italy to pursue my dreams". Retrieved 2026-06-09.
  3. ^ New Light - EP by Modola on Apple Music, 2025-07-31, retrieved 2026-06-09
  4. ^ a b c Kan, Toni (2025-06-28). "Modola drops 'New Light' EP, igniting afropop scene". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  5. ^ a b Emeh, Emmanuel (9 August 2025). "Modola's New Light EP: A 14-minute journey into a budding Afrobeats sensation". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  6. ^ Umeh, Juliet (October 18, 2025). "Modola Electrifies Felabration 2025 with Powerful Afro-Fusion Performance". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  7. ^ a b Emmanuel, Daraloye. "EP Review: Modola Glows On New Light, Radiant That Balances Swagger". New Telegraph. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  8. ^ Bashaq Butiják. INTERVIEW 4 | AFRICAN CELEBRATE 2025. Archived from the original on 2026-07-11. Retrieved 2026-07-11 – via Facebook. Kwa Dwai Media continues its exclusive interview series from African Celebrate 2025, this time in conversation with the amazing artist all way from Nigeria, Miss Madola.
  9. ^ Esomnofu, Emmanuel. "EP Review: MODOLA Is Contemplative & Fearlessly Defiant in the Long-Awaited PROJECT: New Light". This Day. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  10. ^ Taiwo, Olufunke (2025-09-23). "No Stress Lyrics by Modola". NotjustOk. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  11. ^ Akinsanmi, 'Sola (2025-09-22). "Burna Boy, Famous Pluto, Black Sheriff, Modola make Boomplay's top 10 albums list". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  12. ^ Omosola, Friday (2025-08-10). "SPOTLIGHT: With 'New Light' EP, Modola eyes Afrobeats top spot". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Retrieved 2025-11-26.
  13. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2025-12-27). "Albums that defined the year". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-03-10.

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