Nigerian songwriter and recording artiste Adinu Samuel Mauthon, professionally known as Adinu, has taken a significant step towards establishing himself as a solo performer with the release of his six-track project, The Appetizer, under Madhouse Records.
Released on October 9, 2026, the project represents a new chapter for the artiste, who has spent considerable time building his reputation as a songwriter under the pseudonym Thenigpen. Having contributed to music by other performers, Adinu is now turning the spotlight on his own artistry, presenting listeners with a collection that reflects his musical versatility and creative ambitions.
Known also as The Shepherd, Adinu has developed a songwriting portfolio spanning emerging talents and established names in the Nigerian music industry. His credits include “Girly Girl” for RU, while “Worth Living” stands among his earlier releases under the Thenigpen identity.
His growing list of credits also includes co-writing “Dangerous” and “Dance” on Ayra Starr’s 2026 album, Starrgirl. The international reach of his songwriting work received further attention on October 11, when “Dangerous” closed Ayra Starr’s halftime performance at the NFL London Game held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The moment offered the song wider international exposure and underscored the growing visibility of the creative work behind major musical performances.
With The Appetizer, Adinu moves from contributing to other artistes’ projects to placing his own voice and artistic identity at the centre of the conversation. The six-track collection explores different musical moods, moving between introspection, confidence and upbeat rhythms while offering an introduction to the sound he hopes to develop in the years ahead.
Among the songs featured on the project are “Dear Father”, “My Lane”, “Bonanza” and “Is It Over”. Each track offers a glimpse into a different dimension of his musical expression.
On “Dear Father”, Adinu embraces vulnerability, exploring personal struggles and the emotional experiences that shape an individual’s journey. The track provides a reflective side to the project, allowing listeners to connect with the artiste beyond the rhythms and melodies.
“My Lane”, by contrast, projects a more relaxed and self-assured disposition, presenting a performer comfortable with his identity and direction. “Bonanza” moves towards a more celebratory sound, bringing upbeat energy to the collection, while “Is It Over” demonstrates his willingness to experiment with different musical styles and appeal to audiences across generations.
The range of sounds across the project suggests an artiste keen to avoid being confined to a single musical identity. Rather than presenting a rigid definition of his sound, Adinu appears to be using the release to explore his creative possibilities and establish a foundation for future projects.
Beyond his musical experience, Adinu’s academic background could also prove valuable as he navigates the commercial and professional demands of the entertainment industry. He studied Law at Lagos State University, an educational background that may provide useful insight into contracts, intellectual property, songwriting ownership and other legal considerations central to the music business.
His partnership with Madhouse Records is expected to play an important role in this transition. The independent label, which operates in Nigeria and the United States, previously supported his releases under the Thenigpen identity and is now backing his ambition to build a more visible career as a recording artiste.
The partnership could also create opportunities to expand his audience beyond Nigeria, positioning his songwriting experience and solo material for wider exposure. For Adinu, the challenge will be to translate the recognition earned behind the scenes into a distinct identity that resonates with listeners as a performer in his own right.
The title The Appetizer captures the introductory nature of the project. Much like an opening course, the six tracks offer a taste of what the artiste hopes to bring to the table, without necessarily defining the full scope of his musical ambitions.
As he begins this new phase, Adinu’s experience as a songwriter provides a foundation on which to build, while the project gives him room to establish his voice, explore different sounds and connect directly with his audience.
The Appetizer is available on major music streaming platforms.