Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “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 artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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.” Penned and created 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 Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that represent defining characteristics of her creative vision. Flanked by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her skill in transforming recorded versions into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships 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 authentically international recording musician with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured breakthrough success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned global recognition through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to established international artist demonstrates a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a period she utilised to refine her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above market demands. This deliberate method has finally established her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, producing a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a version that transcended typical television appearances, turning the performance space into an close personal experience. This approach underscores her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
