Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented 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, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence 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 song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have become defining characteristics of her artistry. Flanked by a backing band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts represents another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something significant to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called 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 origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single 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’ commanding vocal delivery, 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 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained major breakthrough with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through collaborations 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 promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she developed a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on prominent songs featuring established African and global superstars boosted her standing significantly, 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 represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to partnering with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a interpretation that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This approach emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
