Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her signature style.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming studio recordings into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the performance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows represents another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transition, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem 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 compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Debuted 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 standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she utilised to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she cultivated a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her presence on high-profile tracks alongside established African and global superstars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity over market demands. This measured approach has eventually cemented her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to working with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, producing a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a rendition that transcended standard TV performances, turning the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This approach emphasises her growth as a creative who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary stays fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances 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 year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
