Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have become core elements of her creative vision. Accompanied by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert studio recordings into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the performance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer represents a masterclass in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she invested to perfect her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she built a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has ultimately positioned her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate collection. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to partnering with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, producing a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that transcended standard TV performances, converting the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
