Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and heartfelt authenticity that have become signature qualities of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert recorded versions into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows marks another step in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Launched 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 major breakthrough with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built global recognition through guest spots 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 emerging talent to established international artist exemplifies a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years separated her debut single and her first EP release, a period she invested to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on high-profile tracks with established African and global superstars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity over market demands. This deliberate method has ultimately positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more introspective and intimate project. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her creative vision, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to take centre stage. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that went beyond standard TV performances, turning the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This method underscores her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary remains quite limited, 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 year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
