Nigerian singer Tems delivered 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 intimate rendition marked a notable TV appearance for the musician, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the lead single from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has become her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ upward career progression. Her performance of “What You Need” showcased the vocal control and raw emotion that have established themselves as core elements of her artistry. Accompanied by a full live band and additional vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to strike a chord with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s melancholic beauty whilst demonstrating her ability to translate studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. 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 slot on one of America’s most esteemed evening broadcasts represents another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a truly global music creator with something significant to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that connects through genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention through its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ powerful vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression following her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed significant development as both a artist and writer, progressing past feature appearances—encompassing her standout moments on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future collaboration “Wait for U”—to position herself as a leading figure in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, presenting her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of personal autonomy. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a partnership has run its course. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Debuted 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.
- Secured commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified star credentials with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from emerging talent to recognised global performer represents a masterclass in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she utilised to perfect her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing short-lived market trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on prominent songs featuring renowned African and international stars boosted her profile considerably, yet she has consistently prioritised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has ultimately cemented her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Kingdom and What Comes Next
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has sustained her rising trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her developing artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more introspective and intimate body of work. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in partnering with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that combines vulnerability alongside undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Enhanced with live instruments and backing singers, she presented a rendition that went beyond typical television appearances, converting the stage into an intimate listening experience. This approach emphasises her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Forthcoming Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays fairly restricted, 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 season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
