Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves 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 direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and raw emotion that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Supported by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert original tracks into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the show gave a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night platforms marks another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something significant to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a masterclass in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to refine her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on prominent songs with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial success 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 evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in collaborating with reliable creative partners who understand her artistic direction, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she presented a version that went beyond typical television appearances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This strategy underscores her development as a performer who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when entertaining vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, 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 music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
