Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, 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, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy with the direct 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 song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that have become signature qualities of her artistry. Supported by a backing band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her ability to translate studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms marks another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording artist with something meaningful to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to refine her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she built a committed following through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases alongside renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has finally positioned her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural 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 EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, instantly setting the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to working with reliable creative partners who understand her artistic direction, producing a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a version that went beyond standard TV performances, turning the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This approach highlights her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
