Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, 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 song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her artistic expression. Supported by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night platforms marks another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide 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 expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed notable progression as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Independence and Mental 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” captures the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured major breakthrough with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned 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 current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer demonstrates a masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a span she used to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her appearances on prominent songs with established African and global superstars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally positioned her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to collaborating with reliable creative partners who understand her creative vision, producing a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability paired with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that surpassed standard TV performances, transforming the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, 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 festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
