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 ensemble and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The song, which functions as the opening track 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 partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” showcased the technical mastery and raw emotion that represent core elements of her creative vision. Accompanied by a complete ensemble and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s introspective lyrics to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert original tracks into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance gave a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling contemporary artists. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her debut collaboration on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts represents another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a genuinely worldwide music creator with real substance to express via her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Need’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, written and produced by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a intentional artistic process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and personal discovery. The production combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—including her notable contributions 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” reinforces this transformation, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore personal exposure whilst maintaining her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Emerged with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned global recognition through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years elapsed between her debut single and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she used to develop her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she cultivated a loyal audience through thoughtfully planned releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on high-profile tracks with prominent African and worldwide artists boosted her profile considerably, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity above market demands. This measured approach has ultimately positioned 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 sustained her rising trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional resonance. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single in autumn, immediately establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate project. The work with longtime producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to partnering with reliable creative partners who grasp her artistic vision, resulting in a unified sonic landscape that balances vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a version that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This approach underscores her development as a performer who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains relatively selective, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated festivals. Additionally, she has scheduled two performances in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
