Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy 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 depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that have become signature qualities of her artistry. Flanked by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her capacity to convert recorded versions into compelling live performances that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. 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 subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows represents another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording musician with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved major breakthrough with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned global recognition through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to recognised global performer demonstrates a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to perfect her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on prominent songs featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above profit-driven decisions. This deliberate method has eventually cemented her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a more introspective and intimate collection. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to partnering with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that balances vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a interpretation that went beyond standard TV performances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This approach emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
