Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that have established themselves as core elements of her creative vision. Flanked by a backing band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night platforms marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording musician with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown significant development as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “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 recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved major breakthrough with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to recognised global performer exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through strategically timed releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This deliberate method has finally cemented her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial success 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 highlights her evolving artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate project. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a interpretation that transcended conventional broadcast performances, converting the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This method underscores her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
