Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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.” 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 Poignant Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistic expression. Supported by a full live band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert studio recordings into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts represents another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international music creator with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transition, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence 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 such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned global recognition through collaborations 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to recognised global performer demonstrates a masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she utilised to perfect her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases with renowned African and international stars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, promptly establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate collection. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to collaborating with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic direction, producing a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, converting the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This method underscores her evolution as an artist who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates revealed so far. 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 scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
