Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching 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 raw emotion that represent defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Flanked by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the performance provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a authentically international recording musician with real substance to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, 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 immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed significant development as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace vulnerability whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Emerged 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.
- Achieved commercial success with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to recognised global performer exemplifies a masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a period she invested to refine her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she built a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks featuring prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her profile considerably, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has ultimately positioned her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to collaborating with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that balances vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that surpassed typical television appearances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This method underscores her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
