Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and heartfelt authenticity that have become signature qualities of her artistry. Supported by a backing band and backing singers, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her ability to translate recorded versions into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts marks another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, positioning her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of self-determination. 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 relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to Worldwide Success
- Launched 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 major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned 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 latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she used to develop her distinctive vocal approach and compositional craft. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she developed a loyal audience through strategically timed releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on major releases featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity over market demands. This deliberate method has finally cemented her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to working with established creative collaborators who understand her artistic direction, producing a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a interpretation that transcended standard TV performances, turning the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
