Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the opening track 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that represent signature qualities of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something significant to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative 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 via its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained major breakthrough with solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through featured appearances 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’ progression from emerging talent to established international artist exemplifies a masterclass in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has eventually established 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 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The EP 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 partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to working with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, producing a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to come to the fore. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a rendition that transcended standard TV performances, turning the stage into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary stays fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
