Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The song, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy 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 regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show appearance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Flanked by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming recorded versions into engaging concert renditions that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show provided a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years steadily building her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a authentically international recording musician with something meaningful to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What’s Needed’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The production combines sparse instrumentation 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 constituted a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown remarkable growth as both a singer and composer, progressing past feature appearances—such as her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to cement herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst maintaining her artistic independence.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with signature tracks 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 superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. A six-year period elapsed between her debut single and her first EP release, a period she used to perfect her unique vocal style and creative vision. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her presence on major releases featuring prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has finally cemented her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to collaborating with reliable creative partners who grasp her creative vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a compelling platform for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to come to the fore. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she presented a rendition that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This approach emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on genuine expression, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three confirmed dates confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
