Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have become core elements of her artistry. Flanked by a full live band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her ability to translate recorded versions into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the performance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a authentically international recording artist with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Need’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, positioning her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first 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 exemplary model in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to perfect her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has eventually established her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with reliable creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a rendition that transcended typical television appearances, transforming the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances 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 cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
