Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and heartfelt authenticity that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistry. Accompanied by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the appearance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years gradually establishing her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts represents another step in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling 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 unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development 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.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, transcending feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
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” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than dwelling in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained global recognition through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her first release and her first EP release, a span she utilised to refine her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following temporary commercial fads, she developed a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on major releases with established African and global superstars boosted her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed artistic integrity over market demands. This measured approach has finally established her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm 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 highlights her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to collaborating with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, creating a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Accompanied by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, transforming the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This method highlights her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on genuine expression, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates revealed so far. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
