Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released 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.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistry. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate original tracks into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms represents another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The production combines 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 following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed notable progression as both a artist and writer, transcending 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 major presence in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” operates as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to established international artist represents a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she used to refine her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and calculated features. Her presence on prominent songs with established African and global superstars boosted her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity above profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has eventually positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial triumph 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 highlights her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate project. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to collaborating with reliable creative partners who comprehend her creative vision, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that went beyond standard TV performances, converting the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This approach highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary remains relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
