Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence 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 highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” showcased the singing precision and emotional vulnerability that have become core elements of her artistry. Flanked by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the performance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows constitutes another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown significant development as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved major breakthrough with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to perfect her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she built a committed following through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on major releases featuring prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate collection. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to take centre stage. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that surpassed typical television appearances, converting the performance space into an close personal experience. This method emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
