EP Review: MODOLA Is Contemplative & Fearlessly Defiant in the Long-Awaited PROJECT: New Light

By: Emmanuel Esomnofu

Modola’s 6-track debut project is shooting its way to the top of the Official TZ Charts following its release on 31st July.

Along with her hit song ‘Talk’, which continues to climb charts on the Local Top 100 and No. 50 on the NTTC, Modola’s other tracks are also gaining traction.

Modola continues to make waves in the global music scene as two singles from her project, “New Light,” ascend to new peaks at No. 47 and 53 on the Official Top 100 Tanzania Songs chart, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

This 20-year-old music phenomenon has made a strong debut with her records, maintaining the #47 and #53 positions on Tanzania Boomplay Top 100 global chart since the release of her EP “New Light”, while also performing on top stages.

Modola’s influence in contemporary Afropop stems from a unique mix of qualities: consistent chart-toppers, a down-to-earth “girl next door” image, infectious club grooves, and a magnetic stage presence. At the core of her allure, however, is an exceptional gift for songwriting. While some critics brush off her emotionally charged chorus as overly repetitive, it’s this very openness and heartfelt expression that is already cementing her status as one of the defining voices of her generation.

With the release of her highly anticipated debut EP New Light, Modola weaves groove, self-reflection, and fearless defiance into a work of pure sonic brilliance. More than just a standard debut, New Light emerges as a fully realized project that stands firmly on its own, prompting some music commentators to argue that it could just as easily have been an album. Still, with its evocative storytelling, captivating vocals, and daring sonic experimentation, New Light cements Modola’s standing as a commanding force in Afropop.

Packaged in a glorious blaze of ominous production, tension-tightened songwriting, Modola detonated a surprise nuke in the form of an out-of-the-blue release. In more ways than one, the fulfillment of the forerunning singles “Talk” as well as a celebration leading up to the Royal Albert Hall concert performance in 2025.

With the sound assembled by an all-star roster of producers including Niphkeys, Bola BMH, Mansa Jabulani, Oodun, and Skitter, among others, New Light blends contemporary Afrobeat and pop into a seamless hybrid. Drawing on old-school influences and amapiano, the 20-year-old’s latest project is driven by raw acoustic guitars and soulful riffs. At times, these sounds are accented with delicate finger snaps, warm harmonies, or purposeful moments of silence, each adding to the project’s sonic character. The result is an EP whose textures evoke the calm, sunlit ambience of golden-hour drives through the countryside rather than the pulsing energy of late-night city rides.

“No Stress,” produced by Niphkeys, is a celebration of self-happiness and currently sits at number 59 on the Tanzania Top 100 chart. Modola invites listeners to witness “how she party hards,” linking newfound success with a bold declaration of power. The recurring hook “we dey party after party” anchors the song in rhythm and allure. Yet it’s more than a club anthem; it’s about movement, energy, and the quiet authority of a woman fully in command of her space.

Oro Owo is a party anthem infused with infectious hyphy elements, smooth percussion, and a touch of polished R&B. Spanning just 12 minutes across six tracks, the EP marks Modola’s most concise work to date both in production and songwriting.

It showcases a refined approach to chord progressions, melodic string arrangements that either smooth transitions or shift moods, and carefully chosen features. The result is a mix of irresistible club bangers and soulful tunes, serving as a pointed rebuttal to critics who once dismissed her as a “snoozefest,” proving she can be both club-friendly and emotionally resonant.

Billing opens with a playful yet intentional tone, setting the stage for a track brimming with energy and bravado. Modola’s charm comes through as she effortlessly weaves between Yoruba, Pidgin English, and street slang, making the switches feel second nature. Lines like “Eje so shi I wan shout no dulling” add a burst of character. Her delivery carries a steady rhythm, layered wordplay, and a duality that’s both grounded and aspirational, rooted in Nigerian culture while reaching for global heights. The result is a performance that’s playful yet commanding. The pre-chorus and chorus are irresistibly catchy, designed for the dancefloor but infused with Modola’s signature blend of grit and soul.

The production is classic Afrobeats excellence anchored by steady percussion, accented with subtle synths, and carefully arranged to give her room to shine. There’s no overcrowding here; the vocals breathe, the groove flows effortlessly, and the track invites movement without ever feeling forced. It’s a song equally at home in a packed party, during a late-night drive, or through the intimate hum of your headphones.

In New Light, Modola stands as both muse and master of the vibe. The project feels deliberate and purposeful, never rushed. Rather than offering just a glimpse of herself, she bares it all—embracing freedom, leaning into vulnerability, and holding nothing back. The outcome is raw, candid, and fearlessly authentic.

With New Light, Modola continues to expand the boundaries of her artistry. The EP is New Light, layered, and unapologetically genuine, a reminder of her individuality. If SOS was a call for help, New Light is the deep breath after the storm: a declaration of survival, growth, and the messy beauty that comes with both.