Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous 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 regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her creative vision. Flanked by a backing band and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert studio recordings into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the show provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration 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 progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global recording artist with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Story 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 reflects a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown significant development as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—including her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with solo hits 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’ progression from promising newcomer to established international artist exemplifies a masterclass in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a period she used to refine her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she developed a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on prominent songs featuring established African and global superstars elevated her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally established her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a more introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that transcended standard TV performances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This approach highlights her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
