Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and heartfelt authenticity that represent defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Supported by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms constitutes another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording musician with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression 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 pouring their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, positioning her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Independence and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- 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).
- Gained international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to recognised global performer demonstrates a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her debut single and her first EP release, a period she invested to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
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 demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate project. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a rendition that transcended conventional broadcast performances, turning the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy emphasises her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
