Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the lead single from her most recent 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.” Penned and created by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and raw emotion that have established themselves as core elements of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a backing band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert studio recordings into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the show gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years steadily building her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts represents another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with something meaningful to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown 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 partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, positioning her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Self-reliance 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” encapsulates the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a span she used to perfect her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on high-profile tracks featuring established African and global superstars enhanced her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, promptly establishing the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with established creative collaborators who grasp her creative vision, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a interpretation that transcended typical television appearances, converting the stage into an close personal experience. This approach emphasises her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when entertaining millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar stays fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
