Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and raw emotion that represent defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Supported by a backing band and backing singers, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming recorded versions into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts represents another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something significant to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of personal autonomy. 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 partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to established international artist demonstrates a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she utilised to perfect her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her features on prominent songs with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has ultimately established her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success 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 highlights her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who grasp her creative vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to come to the fore. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a rendition that surpassed typical television appearances, turning the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This method highlights her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays quite limited, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
