Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry alongside a live ensemble and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The song, which serves as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating 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 collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the singing precision and heartfelt authenticity that represent signature qualities of her artistry. Flanked by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s reflective words to connect with the audience. The musical setting highlighted the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert studio recordings into compelling live performances that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the show provided a window into the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has devoted the last few years steadily building her global presence, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts marks another progression in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with real substance to say through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated significant development as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a major presence in contemporary African music. “What You Need” reinforces this shift, positioning her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” operates as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “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 run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to Global Acclaim
- Emerged 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.
- Secured commercial success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Gained worldwide attention through collaborations on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from emerging talent to established international artist represents a exemplary model in consistent creative growth. Six years separated her first release and her first EP release, a timeframe she utilised to develop her distinctive vocal approach and creative vision. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and calculated features. Her features on high-profile tracks featuring renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This measured approach has eventually positioned her as among today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate collection. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to working with established creative collaborators who grasp her artistic vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability alongside unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a rendition that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, transforming the performance space into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary stays relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the summer’s most prestigious festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
