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 backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that represent defining characteristics of her creative vision. Supported by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s reflective words to connect with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst showcasing her skill in transforming original tracks into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international music creator with real substance to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “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” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Launched 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.
- Achieved major breakthrough with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a masterclass in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she invested to refine her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she cultivated a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on high-profile tracks alongside renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This deliberate method has eventually positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
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 unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to collaborating with trusted creative partners who understand her artistic vision, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she performed a rendition that surpassed standard TV performances, transforming the venue into an intimate listening experience. This strategy underscores her evolution as an artist who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
