Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry alongside a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the musician, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her autonomy with the direct 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 track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and raw emotion that represent defining characteristics of her creative vision. Supported by a complete ensemble and additional vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, enabling the song’s reflective words to connect with the audience. The musical setting accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst showcasing her ability to translate original tracks into compelling live performances that mesmerise viewers internationally.
For American TV viewers, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating contemporary artists. Tems has spent the past several years gradually establishing her international profile, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This slot on one of America’s most prestigious late-night platforms represents another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording artist with something significant to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest via its candid examination of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, 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 constituted a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst maintaining her artistic freedom.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an anthem of personal autonomy. The line “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 reached its end. Rather than remaining in bitterness, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Route to Worldwide Success
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, positioning herself a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved commercial success with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Earned worldwide attention through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from promising newcomer to recognised global performer exemplifies a exemplary model in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a span she utilised to perfect her signature sound and creative vision. Rather than pursuing temporary commercial fads, she developed a dedicated fanbase through carefully considered releases and purposeful partnerships. Her features on major releases alongside established African and global superstars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised genuine creativity over profit-driven decisions. This measured approach has finally established her as one of modern music’s most esteemed figures.
Love Is a Kingdom and The Future
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional depth. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, instantly setting the tone for a more introspective and intimate project. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to collaborating with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that balances vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to shine through. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a rendition that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, transforming the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This method highlights her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on authenticity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Forthcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays fairly restricted, with only three scheduled shows confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at 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, also taking place in August, indicating a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
