Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that represent signature qualities of her artistic expression. Flanked by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her skill in transforming original tracks into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night platforms represents another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a authentically international recording musician with real substance to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling 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 quickly seized listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a artist and writer, 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 principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, presenting her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Independence and Emotional 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 acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built global recognition through collaborations 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a showcase in sustained artistic development. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she used to develop her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases alongside prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has eventually cemented her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to partnering with reliable creative partners who understand her artistic vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a rendition that went beyond typical television appearances, converting the venue into an intimate listening experience. This approach highlights her growth as a creative who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
