Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her latest 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 collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a backing band and additional vocalists, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her skill in transforming studio recordings into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms constitutes another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something significant to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” operates as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s core message: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a showcase in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she invested to develop her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases featuring renowned African and international stars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has ultimately established her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward 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, immediately establishing the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to collaborating with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic direction, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a rendition that went beyond standard TV performances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
