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 ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The song, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting 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 partnership with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her hallmark.
A Touching Instance on Late Evening TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ rising career path. Her rendition of “What You Need” demonstrated the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have become signature qualities of her artistic expression. Flanked by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement highlighted the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst displaying her capacity to convert original tracks into captivating stage shows that enthrall viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the performance offered a window into the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, cementing her status as a genuinely worldwide recording musician with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a carefully crafted statement 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 channelling their collective experience into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention 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 central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ broader artistic evolution following her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself represented a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has demonstrated notable progression as both a artist and writer, 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 principal voice in modern African music. “What You Need” strengthens this transformation, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Transparency
At its core, “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” captures the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with poise and clarity, giving listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- 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.
- Attained major breakthrough with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built global recognition through guest spots on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Established star credentials with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a exemplary model in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a period she utilised to develop her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has repeatedly championed creative authenticity above profit-driven decisions. This deliberate method has finally positioned her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and What Comes Next
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her developing artistry and emotional depth. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more reflective and intimate project. The collaboration with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to collaborating with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic vision, producing a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional heart, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Enhanced with live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a interpretation that surpassed conventional broadcast performances, turning the performance space into an intimate listening experience. This method highlights her growth as a creative who refuses to compromise on authenticity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates throughout the year.
