Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that represent core elements of her creative vision. Flanked by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming studio recordings into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring 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 via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” operates 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 core message: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to established international artist demonstrates a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she built a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on high-profile tracks alongside prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This measured approach has eventually cemented her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance 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 artistic evolution and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate collection. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to partnering with trusted creative partners who understand her artistic direction, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a version that surpassed standard TV performances, converting the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This method emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary stays quite limited, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
