Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the direct 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 showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistic expression. Flanked by a backing band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her ability to translate original tracks into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms represents another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording artist with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing 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 breakthrough success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention 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 current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer demonstrates a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to perfect her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, producing a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, transforming the venue into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
