Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked 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 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 song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as signature qualities of her artistic expression. Supported by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her ability to translate studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing 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 renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording artist with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood 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 speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed notable progression as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” operates 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 central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- 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 signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to established international artist demonstrates a masterclass in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a span she invested to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases alongside renowned African and international stars enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity over market demands. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her evolving artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to collaborating with established creative collaborators who understand her artistic vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, converting the performance space into an close personal experience. This approach underscores her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
