Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting 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 showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. 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 resonate with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned late-night platforms marks another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording artist with real substance to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “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” embodies the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out 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 standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a showcase in sustained artistic development. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a span she used to develop her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally established her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph 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 highlights her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a rendition that surpassed typical television appearances, turning the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
