Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and raw emotion that have established themselves as core elements of her artistry. Accompanied by a backing band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming recorded versions into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the appearance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing 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 late-night platforms marks another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a authentically international music creator with real substance to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative process, 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 unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed significant development as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Independence and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first 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 collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to perfect her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks featuring established African and global superstars elevated her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above market demands. This calculated strategy has ultimately established her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in working with reliable creative partners who grasp her creative vision, producing a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a version that surpassed typical television appearances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This method highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary remains relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows 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 cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
