Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have become signature qualities of her creative vision. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her ability to translate studio recordings into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the performance gave a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, positioning her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “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” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built 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 latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to established international artist exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her appearances on high-profile tracks featuring renowned African and international stars elevated her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has eventually positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to partnering with established creative collaborators who understand her artistic direction, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a version that transcended conventional broadcast performances, transforming the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This approach highlights her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
