Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and heartfelt authenticity that have become core elements of her creative vision. Accompanied by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s reflective words to connect with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert original tracks into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with something significant to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to recognised global performer exemplifies a masterclass in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to perfect her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has eventually cemented her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to working with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic direction, creating a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a rendition that transcended conventional broadcast performances, transforming the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
