Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Touching Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and heartfelt authenticity that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst showcasing her capacity to convert original tracks into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the appearance provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most renowned late-night shows constitutes another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global recording musician with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, establishing her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Independence and Mental 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 loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained major breakthrough with signature tracks including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she used to develop her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on major releases alongside renowned African and international stars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised creative authenticity above market demands. This calculated strategy has eventually established her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track last autumn, promptly establishing the groundwork for a more reflective and intimate collection. The partnership with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability with undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a rendition that transcended standard TV performances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This method emphasises her development as a performer who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
