Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the lead single 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 showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and raw emotion that represent core elements of her artistic expression. Flanked by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her capacity to convert original tracks into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international music creator with something significant to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, positioning her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
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” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials 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 masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she utilised to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she built a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks alongside prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally established her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to working with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that surpassed typical television appearances, transforming the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This strategy underscores her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays quite limited, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
