Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released 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 collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Accompanied by a backing band and backing singers, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert original tracks into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the show gave a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows marks another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording artist with something meaningful to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown significant development as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of personal autonomy. 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 run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built global recognition through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she used to refine her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above commercial expediency. This deliberate method has finally cemented her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in partnering with established creative collaborators who understand her artistic vision, producing a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that transcended standard TV performances, transforming the venue into an intimate listening experience. This strategy underscores her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at 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 shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.