Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the declarative 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 song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that have established themselves as core elements of her artistic expression. Supported by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her ability to translate recorded versions into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show gave a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording artist with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transition, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of self-determination. 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 recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through guest spots 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 current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to develop her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she built a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her presence on high-profile tracks featuring established African and global superstars enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above market demands. This calculated strategy has finally cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
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 highlights her developing artistry and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate project. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that balances vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a version that went beyond typical television appearances, turning the venue into an intimate listening experience. This method emphasises her growth as a creative who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary stays relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
