Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, 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 partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Flanked by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert original tracks into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the show offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows constitutes another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording artist with something significant to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transition, positioning her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to established international artist demonstrates a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she used to develop her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she built a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on major releases featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has ultimately established her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in partnering with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a version that surpassed standard TV performances, turning the performance space into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. 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 scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
