Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the declarative 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 showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that represent core elements of her artistic expression. Flanked by a backing band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into compelling live performances that mesmerise 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 invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night platforms constitutes another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “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 recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
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.
- Attained major breakthrough with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to established international artist represents a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a span she utilised to refine her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she cultivated a loyal audience through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her appearances on major releases featuring established African and global superstars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above market demands. This deliberate method has finally cemented her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom 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 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 single during autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to working with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic direction, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that transcended standard TV performances, transforming the stage into an close personal experience. This method underscores her growth as a creative who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary remains relatively selective, 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 summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
