Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy 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 highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert original tracks into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows marks another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale 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 approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured breakthrough success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to recognised global performer demonstrates a showcase in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on major releases featuring established African and global superstars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above market demands. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in collaborating with trusted creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a interpretation that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, converting the performance space into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
