Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous 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 collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Touching Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her artistry. Supported by a backing band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst showcasing her ability to translate recorded versions into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording artist with something meaningful to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns 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” strengthens this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a period she used to develop her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her appearances on major releases featuring renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally positioned her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate project. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, producing a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that surpassed typical television appearances, converting the stage into an intimate listening experience. This strategy underscores her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, 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 summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
