Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ rising career path. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Flanked by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her capacity to convert recorded versions into compelling live performances that captivate viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her international profile, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most esteemed late-night shows marks another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with real substance to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed notable progression as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transformation, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an declaration 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 run its course. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
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.
- Attained major breakthrough with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built global recognition through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years elapsed between her first release and her first EP release, a span she used to develop her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on high-profile tracks with established African and global superstars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic vision, creating a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she performed a version that surpassed typical television appearances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This approach highlights her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when performing for millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
