Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous 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 partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistry. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her capacity to convert original tracks into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the show provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording artist with something significant to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns 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” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace vulnerability whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “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 partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to established international artist represents a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a span she invested to perfect her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she built a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her profile considerably, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has eventually positioned her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Realm and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in collaborating with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, creating a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a rendition that went beyond typical television appearances, converting the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
