Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, 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, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and heartfelt authenticity that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Accompanied by a backing band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into compelling live performances that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years steadily building her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms marks another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global recording artist with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated significant development as both a artist and writer, 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 principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates 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 core message: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside renowned African and international stars enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity over profit-driven decisions. This deliberate method has eventually established her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance 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 showcases her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to working with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a interpretation that transcended conventional broadcast performances, transforming the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This approach underscores her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.