Nigerian singer Tems performed a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and backup singers. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her debut in 2018. The track, which functions as the lead single from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems asserting her independence 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 track highlights the depth and emotional resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Poignant Instance on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her performance of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her artistic expression. Flanked by a full live band and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her skill in transforming recorded versions into compelling live performances that captivate viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the appearance gave a look at the world of one of Africa’s most compelling current creative talents. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing 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 prestigious late-night platforms represents another progression in her sustained development beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with something significant to say through her music.
The Story Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a piece that connects through emotional authenticity. Arriving in the autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention through its candid examination of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape combines minimalist arrangements with Tems’ powerful vocal delivery, making room for the song’s central message to resonate powerfully.
The single arrives as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has shown notable progression as both a vocalist and songwriter, moving beyond feature appearances—including 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” reinforces this transition, presenting her as an artist willing to embrace emotional depth whilst demonstrating her creative autonomy.
Independence and Emotional Clarity
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” embodies the song’s main premise: sometimes the most loving decision is acknowledging when a partnership has reached its end. Rather than remaining in resentment, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a roadmap for navigating their own personal turning points with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, succeeded by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved major breakthrough with signature tracks such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Solidified prominence with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ rise from emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a showcase in consistent creative growth. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a span she utilised to refine her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her profile considerably, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over market demands. This calculated strategy has ultimately positioned her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has continued her upward trajectory with the release of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her evolving artistry and emotional resonance. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead single during autumn, immediately establishing the foundation for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The partnership with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ investment in collaborating with established creative collaborators who comprehend her artistic vision, producing a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with 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 come to the fore. Supported by live instruments and backing singers, she performed a version that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, transforming the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy underscores her development as a performer who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Upcoming Live Events
Tems’ performance calendar remains fairly restricted, with only three locked-in performances confirmed at present. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London throughout August, one of the season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has lined up two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates throughout the year.
