Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions 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 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 showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistic expression. Supported by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate original tracks into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise 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 captivating current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows marks another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global recording musician with something significant to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown notable progression as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “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” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through featured appearances 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 latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to recognised global performer represents a showcase in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she used to refine her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This measured approach has ultimately positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to collaborating with reliable creative partners who grasp her creative vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a interpretation that transcended conventional broadcast performances, converting the venue into an intimate listening experience. This method emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Events
Tems’ touring schedule remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
