Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the lead single from her latest 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.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that have established themselves as signature qualities of her creative vision. Supported by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her ability to translate studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few 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 renowned evening broadcasts represents another step in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with real substance to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Self-reliance 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” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to established international artist demonstrates a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she utilised to perfect her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she built a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity over profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has ultimately established her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate collection. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with established creative collaborators who comprehend her creative vision, producing a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability alongside unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a rendition that surpassed standard TV performances, transforming the stage into an intimate listening experience. This method underscores her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule stays quite limited, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
