Nigerian singer Tems performed a captivating performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, showcasing her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The stripped-back performance represented a significant television moment for the musician, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which serves as the opening track from her most recent EP Love Is a Kingdom, originally dropped the previous 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 song showcases the emotional depth and resonance that has emerged as her signature style.
A Moving Moment on Late-Night TV
The Tonight Show performance marked a key moment in Tems’ upward career progression. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the technical mastery and emotional vulnerability that have established themselves as defining characteristics of her artistry. Accompanied by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she commanded the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s inward-looking verses to resonate with the audience. The arrangement accentuated the track’s melancholic beauty whilst displaying her skill in transforming studio recordings into captivating stage shows that mesmerise viewers across the Atlantic.
For American TV viewers, the show gave a window into the world of one of Africa’s most captivating modern musicians. Tems has spent the past several years steadily building her international profile, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 hit “Essence” to her later partnerships with Drake and Future. This performance on one of America’s most prestigious late-night platforms marks another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, solidifying her status as a authentically international recording musician with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The History Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed statement of individual freedom, composed and created by Tems alongside her long-standing creative partner GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis speaks to a deliberate creative process, with both artists channelling their shared creative background into a composition that resonates with emotional authenticity. Released last autumn as the first release from Love Is a Kingdom, the song immediately captured listeners’ attention via its candid examination of relationship dissolution and personal discovery. The production balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, creating space for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single comes as part of Tems’ extensive artistic progression after her 2024 inaugural album Born in the Wild, which itself marked a culmination of years spent developing her artistry since her 2018 breakthrough with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, 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 establish herself as a leading figure in modern African music. “What You Need” solidifies this shift, presenting her as an artist open to investigating vulnerability whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Self-reliance and Mental Clarity
At its core, “What You Need” operates as an declaration of personal autonomy. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s central thesis: sometimes the most compassionate choice is recognising when a partnership has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems approaches the subject with poise and clarity, offering listeners a guide for navigating their own relationship crossroads with dignity and resolve.
Tems’ Path to Worldwide Success
- Debuted with “Mr Rebel” in 2018, establishing herself a unique sound in Nigerian music.
- Released first EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
- Attained breakthrough success with signature tracks 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”.
- Established superstar status with first album Born in the Wild in 2024, preceding latest EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Tems’ ascent from breakthrough artist to acclaimed worldwide musician demonstrates a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her first release and her inaugural EP, a timeframe she invested to develop her signature sound and compositional craft. Rather than following fleeting commercial trends, she developed a loyal audience through carefully considered releases and strategic collaborations. Her presence on prominent songs alongside prominent African and worldwide artists enhanced her prominence greatly, yet she has consistently prioritised creative authenticity over market demands. This measured approach has eventually established her as one of contemporary music’s most respected voices.
Love Is a Realm and What Follows
Following the commercial success of her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, Tems has maintained her upward momentum with the unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that highlights her artistic evolution and emotional richness. The EP arrived with “What You Need” as its lead track during autumn, instantly setting the foundation for a more reflective and intimate project. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz reflects Tems’ dedication to collaborating with reliable creative partners who understand her artistic direction, creating a coherent sonic palette that merges vulnerability alongside undeniable strength.
The performance on The Tonight Show served as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her remarkable vocal ability to shine through. Supported by live musical accompaniment and vocal harmonies, she performed a rendition that went beyond standard TV performances, turning the venue into an close personal experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity, even when performing for large numbers of people watching American TV.
Scheduled Live Performances
Tems’ concert itinerary stays quite limited, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is scheduled to perform at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the year’s most celebrated music events. Additionally, she has lined up two performances in Bristol, England, happening in August, pointing to a deliberate concentration on UK dates for the rest of the year.
