Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band 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 debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released 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 partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and heartfelt authenticity that have become signature qualities of her artistry. Supported by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her ability to translate original tracks into engaging concert renditions that enthrall 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 contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts represents another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something meaningful to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” functions 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 recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to established international artist represents a masterclass in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she used to develop her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on major releases featuring established African and global superstars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally cemented her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to partnering with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic vision, producing a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to come to the fore. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a interpretation that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, turning the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This approach emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
