Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as signature qualities of her artistry. Supported by a full live band and additional vocalists, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her capacity to convert recorded versions into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the show provided a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing 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 late-night platforms marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with real substance to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown significant development as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst asserting her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “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 acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through featured appearances 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 acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a timeframe she used to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on major releases with established African and global superstars boosted her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity over market demands. This calculated strategy has eventually positioned her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to working with established creative collaborators who comprehend her creative vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, transforming the stage into an intimate listening experience. This method highlights her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three confirmed dates revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
