Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Flanked by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her skill in transforming studio recordings into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global recording musician with something significant to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, 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 piece that connects through genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, presenting her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Autonomy 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” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to recognised global performer exemplifies a masterclass in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to refine her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on major releases with established African and global superstars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has finally positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first 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 resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that balances vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a version that transcended conventional broadcast performances, converting the venue into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
