Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks 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 direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and heartfelt authenticity that represent core elements of her artistic expression. Supported by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s introspective lyrics to connect with the audience. The arrangement emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert studio recordings into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts marks another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. 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 personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, establishing her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “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 main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing 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 including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a showcase in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a span she invested to perfect her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases with renowned African and international stars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has ultimately cemented her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ investment in partnering with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic vision, producing a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a version that transcended standard TV performances, transforming the stage into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her development as a performer who declines to concede on authenticity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar stays fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
