Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and raw emotion that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her capacity to convert recorded versions into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts constitutes another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international music creator with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, positioning her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an anthem 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 loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to develop her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she built a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on major releases alongside renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, instantly setting the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who understand her artistic direction, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a interpretation that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, transforming the performance space into an close personal experience. This strategy underscores her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary remains fairly restricted, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
