Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and raw emotion that have become core elements of her artistry. Supported by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a composed poise, letting the song’s reflective words to connect with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming studio recordings into captivating stage shows that captivate viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the show offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night platforms constitutes another progression in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with something significant to say through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape combines sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has shown significant development as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing 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” reinforces this transition, positioning her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s main premise: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with standout singles such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her debut single and her first EP release, a period she invested to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on prominent songs with established African and global superstars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity over commercial expediency. This measured approach has ultimately positioned her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate collection. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ dedication to collaborating with trusted creative partners who understand her creative vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that transcended typical television appearances, transforming the performance space into an close personal experience. This approach underscores her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when playing to large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two shows in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
