Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her artistic expression. Supported by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her capacity to convert studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts marks another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with real substance to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing 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 current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, presenting her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she invested to refine her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she built a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity above market demands. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more introspective and intimate project. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic vision, producing a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, transforming the venue into an intimate listening experience. This strategy underscores her growth as a creative who declines to concede on authenticity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
