Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last 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 song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that have become core elements of her artistic expression. Flanked by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms represents another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with real substance to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing 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 major breakthrough with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a masterclass in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she utilised to develop her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she built a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks alongside prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has eventually cemented her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to partnering with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a version that surpassed typical television appearances, converting the venue into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
