Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. 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 autonomy with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created 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 Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that represent core elements of her creative vision. Supported by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert original tracks into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows represents another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with solo hits 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”.
- Established prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer exemplifies a showcase in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to refine her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on high-profile tracks featuring prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This deliberate method has eventually positioned her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, instantly setting the tone for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in working with established creative collaborators who understand her creative vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she performed a interpretation that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, turning the venue into an intimate listening experience. This method highlights her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule stays fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
