Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, 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 partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that have become signature qualities of her artistic expression. Supported by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming original tracks into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a showcase in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a loyal audience through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on high-profile tracks alongside established African and global superstars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above profit-driven decisions. This deliberate method has eventually cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic direction, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, converting the venue into an close personal experience. This approach highlights her evolution as an artist who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
