Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistry. Supported by a backing band and backing singers, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her ability to translate studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows represents another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording musician with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their collective experience 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 through its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed notable progression as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration 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 relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained major breakthrough with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition 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 latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer represents a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her first EP release, a span she invested to develop her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following short-lived market trends, she built a loyal audience through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on high-profile tracks featuring established African and global superstars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity over commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate collection. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with trusted creative partners who understand her artistic direction, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that balances vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a version that transcended standard TV performances, turning the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy highlights her growth as a creative who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
