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 band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that represent signature qualities of her artistic expression. Flanked by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her capacity to convert recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that captivate viewers internationally.
For American broadcast audiences, the show provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something meaningful to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, progressing past feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, establishing her as an artist willing to embrace vulnerability whilst asserting her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s core message: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Secured commercial success with solo hits including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned international prominence through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from promising newcomer to established international artist exemplifies a showcase in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she utilised to develop her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her appearances on high-profile tracks alongside prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has repeatedly championed genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has finally established her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, immediately establishing the groundwork for a more introspective and intimate collection. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to partnering with trusted creative partners who grasp her artistic direction, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that went beyond standard TV performances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This approach emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ concert itinerary stays fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, occurring in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
