Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has become her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and raw emotion that represent defining characteristics of her artistry. Flanked by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate studio recordings into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts marks another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording artist with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions 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” reinforces this shift, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Autonomy 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” embodies the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured breakthrough success with solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she invested to perfect her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her features on prominent songs alongside established African and global superstars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity over market demands. This deliberate method has finally cemented her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that went beyond standard TV performances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This approach underscores her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
