Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has steadily risen through the global music ranks since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the opening track 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 partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the track highlights the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that represent core elements of her creative vision. Accompanied by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she dominated the stage with a composed poise, allowing the song’s introspective lyrics to resonate with the audience. The musical setting emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert original tracks into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers across the Atlantic.
For American television audiences, the show offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most compelling modern musicians. Tems has devoted the last few years consistently developing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her following work with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts represents another step in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording musician with something meaningful to express via her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a deliberate creative process, with both artists pouring their shared creative background into a piece that resonates with emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ interest through its unflinching exploration of the end of relationships and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to resonate powerfully.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent honing her craft since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed notable progression as both a singer and composer, moving beyond feature appearances—including her memorable turns on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in current African music. “What You Need” reinforces this transition, positioning her as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves 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 core message: sometimes the most loving decision is recognising when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems addresses the subject with clarity and composure, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough 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 superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to recognised global performer exemplifies a showcase in ongoing artistic evolution. Six years elapsed between her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to refine her unique vocal style and compositional craft. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she developed a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on prominent songs with renowned African and international stars boosted her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity above commercial expediency. This calculated strategy has finally cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love represents a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The project arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single last autumn, promptly establishing the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The work with established producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ commitment to partnering with trusted creative partners who comprehend her artistic direction, resulting in a cohesive sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ stripped-back arrangement allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Enhanced with live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a version that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This method highlights her growth as a creative who will not sacrifice on artistic integrity, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Forthcoming Live Events
Tems’ concert itinerary remains relatively selective, 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 summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
