Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy 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 become her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and raw emotion that have become defining characteristics of her creative vision. Flanked by a full live band and additional vocalists, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording musician with real substance to express via her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling 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’ attention through its candid examination 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 land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—including her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “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” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained 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”.
- Established star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a period she invested to develop her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on high-profile tracks with established African and global superstars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This deliberate method has finally cemented her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her evolving artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate collection. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to partnering with established creative collaborators who understand her creative vision, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a rendition that went beyond typical television appearances, converting the stage into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
