Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the lead single 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 regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her artistry. Supported by a backing band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her capacity to convert original tracks into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording artist with something meaningful to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions 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 core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to refine her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing short-lived market trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her appearances on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity over commercial expediency. This deliberate method has ultimately positioned her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to collaborating with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to come to the fore. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, turning the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This method emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
