Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, 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 the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence with the direct 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 song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and raw emotion that represent core elements of her artistry. Accompanied by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her capacity to convert original tracks into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms represents another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording musician with something meaningful to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic 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 via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, establishing her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to established international artist demonstrates a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to refine her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on major releases alongside established African and global superstars elevated her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity over profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has eventually established her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, instantly setting the tone for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to working with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that transcended typical television appearances, converting the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on genuine expression, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
