Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped 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.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have become core elements of her artistry. Flanked by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her ability to translate recorded versions into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the appearance offered a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with something significant to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, 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’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message 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 result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions 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 loving decision is recognising when a relationship has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles including “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 star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to established international artist exemplifies a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period separated her first release and her first EP release, a span she utilised to perfect her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing short-lived market trends, she cultivated a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks alongside established African and global superstars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity over market demands. This calculated strategy has finally cemented her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial success 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 demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, instantly setting the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ investment in working with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, creating a coherent sonic palette that combines vulnerability paired with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a rendition that surpassed standard TV performances, turning the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on genuine expression, even when performing for vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ touring schedule stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
