Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released 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.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her creative vision. Accompanied by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert studio recordings into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show provided a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows represents another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording artist with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to 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 quickly seized listeners’ interest through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed notable progression as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Independence and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning 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 major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to established international artist represents a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases with established African and global superstars enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above market demands. This calculated strategy has ultimately established her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a interpretation that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
