By Abubakar Oladimeji
A viral debut made her the big thing, but rather than repeat herself, she’s followed her heart. The Italy-based singer discusses the benefits of life under a label and how her latest record embraces the ‘new light’ she sees in the industry. The Afrobeats star has also openly expressed her admiration for Don Jazzy.
Not many people would be bold enough to make such a statement, especially when it concerns Don Jazzy and Mavin Records, given the influence they have had on the Nigerian music industry over the years. Yet, with one of the country’s trending songs right now, it is safe to say that the talented songstress Modola has proven she is already firmly established and has earned the right to brag.
Temidola Awosika, popularly known as Modola, has revealed that while she holds immense admiration for music executive Don Jazzy and his globally recognized label Mavin Records, she has no plans to leave her current label, PG Records.
The 20-year-old singer made this disclosure during a cover story interview on BBNaija star Tacha’s podcast, where she opened up about her career journey, music influences, and aspirations.
Speaking on her growth in the industry, Modola noted that Don Jazzy remains one of the figures she respects most in Nigerian music, describing him as a “legend and an inspiration to many.” But she assured commitment to her current team at PG Records, thanking them for being the lifeline of her career and giving her the freedom to introduce the world to her music. “I’m gifted, I can sing, I can dance, I can do everything else, but the ability to present it to the world, there’s still a skill to it,” Modola said.
“I’m talented, I can sing, I can perform, I can do all that, but knowing how to present that to the world, there’s still an art to that,” explained Modola. “My labels have been able to really help me with that.”
“I love Don Jazzy; he is someone I respect so much,” Modola said. “But I don’t think I can leave PG Records for Mavin. My label believes in me, and I’m focused on building with them.”
During the podcast, Modola also shared a lighthearted story about how she used to send messages to Don Jazzy on Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown era, back when she was still abroad before relocating to Nigeria. Tacha pressed further to ask if Mavin boss ever responded, and Modola laughed and said, “Yes, he did.”
Her words arrive at a time when Modola has recently seen her popularity boost as one of the new Afrobeats wave front-line vocalists. The growing popularity of the singer has also continued raising questions on whether she was joining big record labels or not, but the recent words clarified her position on remaining committed to her origins.
The podcast episode has subsequently generated a buzz on social media, with the audience praising Modola for being herself while others commended her for being real to the demands of the industry.
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