Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have become defining characteristics of her creative vision. Supported by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her capacity to convert studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the show gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent 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 performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms constitutes another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—including her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. 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 recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved commercial success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to established international artist exemplifies a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to refine her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than pursuing short-lived market trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on prominent songs with renowned African and international stars boosted her profile considerably, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally positioned her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to collaborating with trusted creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a rendition that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, transforming the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
