Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and raw emotion that have become defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Flanked by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her ability to translate original tracks into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the show gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows constitutes another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international music creator with something significant to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their collective experience 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 through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room 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 product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed significant development as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning 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 major breakthrough with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to established international artist demonstrates a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a period she invested to refine her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on high-profile tracks alongside renowned African and international stars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally established her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to partnering with reliable creative partners who understand her artistic vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to take centre stage. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, turning the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule remains fairly restricted, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. 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 festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
