Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have become signature qualities of her artistry. Accompanied by a full live band and additional vocalists, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her skill in transforming original tracks into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the performance provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international music creator with something meaningful to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown significant development as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she utilised to refine her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases with renowned African and international stars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This deliberate method has finally positioned her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who grasp her creative vision, producing a unified sonic landscape 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 shine through. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a rendition that went beyond typical television appearances, turning the venue into an intimate listening experience. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who declines to concede on authenticity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary stays fairly restricted, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
