Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous 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 regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that have become signature qualities of her creative vision. Flanked by a backing band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her ability to translate original tracks into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the performance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night platforms represents another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording musician with something meaningful to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed 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 approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—including her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Launched 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 major breakthrough with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer represents a masterclass in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a period she used to refine her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she built a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on prominent songs alongside established African and global superstars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has eventually cemented her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance 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 showcases her developing artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to working with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, producing a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a rendition that surpassed typical television appearances, turning the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
