Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence with the declarative 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 highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ rising career path. Her performance of “What You Need” demonstrated the singing precision and raw emotion that have established themselves as signature qualities of her creative vision. Flanked by a full live band and backing singers, she dominated the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst showcasing her skill in transforming studio recordings into compelling live performances that captivate viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the performance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts marks another milestone in her ongoing growth beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with something significant to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has displayed significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—including her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a leading figure in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, presenting her as an artist open to investigating emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Independence and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Route to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a recognisable presence 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 such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a span she used to develop her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a committed following through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on high-profile tracks featuring prominent African and worldwide artists elevated her profile considerably, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity over profit-driven decisions. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the strong commercial performance of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, promptly establishing the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate body of work. The collaboration with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to working with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic direction, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she delivered a interpretation that surpassed standard TV performances, transforming the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This approach emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform 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 performances in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates for the rest of the year.
