Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct 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 track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and raw emotion that have become defining characteristics of her artistry. Supported by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her skill in transforming studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international music creator with real substance to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest through its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown notable progression as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
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 central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Debuted 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 major breakthrough with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through guest spots 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’ rise from breakthrough artist to established international artist represents a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a loyal audience through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on high-profile tracks with established African and global superstars enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity over market demands. This calculated strategy has eventually established her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is 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 demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate project. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to working with reliable creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she delivered a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, converting the performance space into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
