Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, 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 regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Touching Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as signature qualities of her artistry. Accompanied by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her skill in transforming studio recordings into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance provided a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, 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 late-night shows represents another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation 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 following 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 vocalist and songwriter, progressing past 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 major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, positioning her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an anthem 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 loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through guest spots 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’ progression from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a span she invested to develop her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars boosted her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally positioned her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, instantly setting the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her creative vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that went beyond typical television appearances, transforming the stage into an close personal experience. This method highlights her growth as a creative who declines to concede on authenticity, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
