Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her emotional ballad “What You Need” on The Tonight Show last night, demonstrating her artistry with a live ensemble and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the international music scene since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released the previous autumn and sees Tems asserting her autonomy with the declarative lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in partnership with her frequent creative partner GuiltyBeatz, the song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has become her hallmark.
A Poignant Instance on Late Evening Television
The Tonight Show visit marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her rendition of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have become defining characteristics of her creative vision. Flanked by a full live band and backing singers, she controlled the stage with a quiet confidence, enabling the song’s reflective words to strike a chord with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst displaying her skill in transforming studio recordings into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show offered a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years consistently developing her worldwide reputation, from her standout appearance on Wizkid’s 2021 chart success “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most renowned evening broadcasts constitutes another step in her sustained development beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a truly global recording artist with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“The Piece Called What You Need” emerged as a carefully crafted expression of personal liberation, composed and created by Tems in partnership with her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s origin reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists pouring their collective experience into a composition that resonates with genuine feeling. Arriving in the autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The sonic landscape balances minimalist arrangements with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s central message to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ wider creative development after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” During this span, she has displayed remarkable growth as both a artist and writer, transcending feature appearances—encompassing her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a major presence in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transition, establishing her as an artist open to investigating personal exposure whilst asserting her creative autonomy.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its core, “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 partnership has reached its end. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with clarity and composure, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Way to International Recognition
- Launched with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a recognisable presence in Nigerian music.
- Released debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with solo hits such as “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built worldwide attention through featured appearances on Wizkid’s “Essence” and Drake and Future’s “Wait for U”.
- Cemented superstar status with debut album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding current EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from promising newcomer to established international artist exemplifies a masterclass in sustained artistic development. A six-year period separated her debut single and her first EP release, a period she utilised to refine her unique vocal style and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she cultivated a dedicated fanbase through strategically timed releases and strategic collaborations. Her features on major releases alongside renowned African and international stars enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has continually emphasised genuine creativity over commercial expediency. This deliberate method has eventually cemented her as one of today’s most acclaimed musical artists.
Love Is 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 depth. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track in autumn, promptly establishing the tone for a more introspective and intimate collection. The collaboration with established producer GuiltyBeatz underscores Tems’ commitment to collaborating with reliable creative partners who comprehend her artistic vision, resulting in a coherent sonic palette that balances vulnerability with unmistakable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show represented a powerful showcase for the EP’s emotional centre, with Tems’ pared-down arrangement allowing her distinctive vocal prowess to take centre stage. Accompanied by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she delivered a rendition that transcended conventional broadcast performances, converting the performance space into an immersive sonic moment. This approach highlights her development as a performer who declines to concede on artistic integrity, even when entertaining large numbers of people watching American TV.
Upcoming Live Performances
Tems’ touring schedule stays 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 season’s leading music events. Additionally, she has arranged two concerts in Bristol, England, occurring in August, suggesting a concentrated focus on UK dates for the rest of the year.
