Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the opening track 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 collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that represent signature qualities of her creative vision. Flanked by a backing band and additional vocalists, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate original tracks into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the appearance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years steadily building her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms represents another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording musician with real substance to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 first 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 shown remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Independence and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “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 reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer represents a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a span she invested to develop her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing short-lived market trends, she built a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on high-profile tracks featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity over market demands. This measured approach has finally established her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, creating a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that surpassed standard TV performances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This method emphasises her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
