Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous 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 collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and raw emotion that represent core elements of her artistry. Accompanied by a full live band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her skill in transforming studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording musician with real substance to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—including her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “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 acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to recognised global performer exemplifies a masterclass in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she used to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing temporary commercial fads, she built a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her presence on major releases alongside prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above profit-driven decisions. This deliberate method has finally established her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to working with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Accompanied by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a version that went beyond typical television appearances, transforming the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This method emphasises her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
