Nigerian singer Tems delivered 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 significant television moment for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the declarative 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 hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her skill in transforming recorded versions into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, 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 consistently developing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night platforms marks another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated significant development as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, establishing her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” functions 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 core message: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems tackles 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
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to recognised global performer demonstrates a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a span she invested to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on major releases featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has finally positioned her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success 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 highlights her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, creating a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that transcended typical television appearances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy underscores 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’ concert itinerary remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
