Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating 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 represented a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, 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 highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her creative vision. Supported by a backing band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her ability to translate recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts represents another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed significant development as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transition, establishing her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance and Mental 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” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through collaborations 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 current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she invested to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on major releases with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above commercial expediency. This deliberate method has finally established her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love represents a Realm and What Follows
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 highlights her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate project. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in working with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, creating a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that surpassed standard TV performances, transforming the stage into an intimate listening experience. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Shows
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 throughout August, one of the year’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
