Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have become defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her ability to translate studio recordings into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts constitutes another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships 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 after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown notable progression as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, positioning her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Debuted 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 commercial success with solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she invested to develop her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she built a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on major releases with renowned African and international stars enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over market demands. This deliberate method has ultimately established her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with established creative collaborators who understand her artistic vision, producing a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability alongside unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that surpassed typical television appearances, transforming the performance space into an close personal experience. This approach highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
