Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and raw emotion that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Supported by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming studio recordings into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global recording musician with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History 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 long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, positioning her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “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” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned global recognition through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to established international artist exemplifies a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to refine her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a loyal audience through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside established African and global superstars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, instantly setting the tone for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to working with reliable creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a interpretation that transcended standard TV performances, transforming the venue into an close personal experience. This method emphasises her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on authenticity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
