Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and heartfelt authenticity that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Accompanied by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her skill in transforming studio recordings into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the performance provided a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms constitutes another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international music creator with real substance to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed notable progression as both a singer and composer, progressing past 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 major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” serves 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 central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to established international artist demonstrates a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she used to refine her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she built a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on high-profile tracks alongside established African and global superstars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This deliberate method has eventually positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom 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 release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, instantly setting the tone for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to collaborating with trusted creative partners who understand her artistic direction, creating a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a version that transcended conventional broadcast performances, transforming the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This approach highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious music events. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
