Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the direct 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 track showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the vocal control and raw emotion that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Supported by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert recorded versions into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the show provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night shows constitutes another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with something meaningful to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution after her 2024 debut 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 displayed 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 partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “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 recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention 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 latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to established international artist represents a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a span she used to develop her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she built a committed following through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on high-profile tracks featuring renowned African and international stars boosted her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has ultimately cemented her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance 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 developing artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to collaborating with trusted creative partners who understand her artistic direction, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she performed a version that transcended standard TV performances, transforming the venue into an intimate listening experience. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ concert itinerary remains relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
