Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her most recent 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.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Flanked by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her capacity to convert studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows constitutes another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of self-determination. 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 recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out 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 solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to established international artist exemplifies a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to perfect her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she developed a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on prominent songs with established African and global superstars enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in collaborating with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a interpretation that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, turning the venue into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
