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 ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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 partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as signature qualities of her artistry. Accompanied by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her capacity to convert recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows constitutes another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, solidifying 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” stood as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s core message: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built global recognition through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer exemplifies a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside established African and global superstars elevated her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has ultimately established her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance 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 highlights her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in partnering with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a interpretation that transcended conventional broadcast performances, turning the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ concert itinerary stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious music events. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
