Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that represent signature qualities of her artistic expression. Supported by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate original tracks into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows constitutes 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 Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to perfect her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she built a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity over commercial expediency. This measured approach has ultimately established her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate project. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, producing a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she presented a interpretation that transcended standard TV performances, transforming the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This strategy underscores her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
