Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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.” Penned and created by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Flanked by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst showcasing her ability to translate recorded versions into compelling live performances that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance gave 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 following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned late-night platforms constitutes another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown notable progression as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transition, presenting her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a period she invested to perfect her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on prominent songs alongside established African and global superstars boosted her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above market demands. This deliberate method has ultimately cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more introspective and intimate project. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to collaborating with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic direction, creating a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a version that transcended typical television appearances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This strategy underscores her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary remains quite limited, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
