Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that have become defining characteristics of her creative vision. Flanked by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her capacity to convert studio recordings into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance gave a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows constitutes another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something significant to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown notable progression as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “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” captures the song’s core message: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a recognisable presence 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 including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she utilised to refine her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she built a committed following through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above market demands. This measured approach has eventually positioned her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, promptly establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate collection. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in collaborating with reliable creative partners who comprehend her creative vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that transcended typical television appearances, converting the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
