Nigerian singer Tems delivered a captivating performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry alongside a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance marked a significant television moment for the musician, 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 independence with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Written and produced by Tems in collaboration with her regular collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Touching Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show visit marked a significant milestone in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as core elements of her artistry. Flanked by a complete ensemble and backing singers, she commanded the stage with a quiet confidence, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to connect with the audience. The orchestration emphasised the track’s sorrowful elegance whilst demonstrating her capacity to convert studio recordings into engaging concert renditions that mesmerise viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
For American broadcast audiences, the appearance offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most esteemed late-night platforms constitutes another milestone 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 Story Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” stood as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience 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 relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal delivery, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a product of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 emergence with “Mr Rebel.” Over this period, she has displayed notable progression as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future partnership “Wait for U”—to position herself as a principal voice in current African music. “What You Need” strengthens this shift, presenting her as an artist unafraid to explore emotional depth whilst demonstrating her artistic freedom.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” functions as an declaration of self-determination. The lyric “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” embodies the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a relationship has run its course. Rather than dwelling in resentment, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, giving listeners a roadmap for traversing their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Global Acclaim
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, carving out a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Achieved breakthrough success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built 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 present EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ progression from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a span she used to develop her distinctive vocal approach and songwriting sensibility. Rather than pursuing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and strategic collaborations. Her appearances on prominent songs alongside established African and global superstars elevated her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above market demands. This deliberate method has eventually established her as among contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love represents a Realm and The Future
Following the commercial triumph of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the launch of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that demonstrates her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single last autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate collection. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ dedication to working with trusted creative partners who comprehend her creative vision, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that combines vulnerability paired with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a interpretation that went beyond conventional broadcast performances, converting the stage into an immersive sonic moment. This strategy highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on authenticity, even when playing to millions of viewers across American television networks.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar remains quite limited, with only three locked-in performances currently announced. She is set to headline All Points East festival in London in the month of August, one of the summer’s most prestigious cultural occasions. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, suggesting a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the remainder of the year.
