Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have become core elements of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her ability to translate studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms represents another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something meaningful to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past 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” strengthens this transition, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic independence.
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” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to perfect her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her presence on prominent songs with renowned African and international stars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity above market demands. This deliberate method has ultimately positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic direction, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that transcended conventional broadcast performances, transforming the venue into an close personal experience. This approach emphasises her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
