Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track 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.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistic expression. Flanked by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming original tracks into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her global presence, 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 prestigious late-night shows constitutes another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. 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 sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “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 run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through collaborations 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’ ascent from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to refine her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases alongside established African and global superstars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity over profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has eventually established her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, producing a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability paired with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a version that transcended typical television appearances, transforming the venue into an close personal experience. This method underscores her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on authenticity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
