Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed 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 independence with the direct 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 highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has become her signature style.
A Touching Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and heartfelt authenticity that have become core elements of her creative vision. Flanked by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her skill in transforming recorded versions into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the show gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows marks another step in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that connects through genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured major breakthrough with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to established international artist demonstrates a masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to develop her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has ultimately cemented her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success 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 demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to collaborating with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic direction, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a rendition that surpassed typical television appearances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on authenticity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar stays fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
