Nigerian singer Tems delivered a compelling performance of her poignant track “What You Need” on The Tonight Show the previous evening, demonstrating her artistry with a live band and supporting vocalists. The intimate rendition represented a notable TV appearance for the artist, who has progressively climbed through the global music ranks since her 2018 debut. The track, which functions as the opening track from her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, was released last autumn and sees Tems demonstrating her independence with the direct lyric: “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.” Penned and created by Tems in collaboration 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 Evening Television
The Tonight Show performance marked a notable achievement in Tems’ ascendant career trajectory. Her interpretation of “What You Need” highlighted the vocal control and raw emotion that represent core elements of her artistic expression. Accompanied by a backing band and supporting vocalists, she controlled the stage with a understated assurance, letting the song’s reflective words to resonate with the audience. The orchestration accentuated the track’s poignant charm whilst demonstrating her ability to translate original tracks into compelling live performances that enthrall viewers internationally.
For American television audiences, the appearance provided a glimpse of the world of one of Africa’s most engaging current creative talents. Tems has invested considerable time over recent years gradually establishing her global presence, from her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2021 breakthrough single “Essence” to her subsequent collaborations with Drake and Future. This appearance on one of America’s most prestigious evening broadcasts represents another milestone in her continued expansion beyond African borders, establishing her status as a truly global music creator with something meaningful to communicate through her music.
The Tale Behind ‘What You Require’
“What You Need” emerged as a thoughtfully constructed expression of individual freedom, written and produced by Tems alongside her trusted collaborator GuiltyBeatz. The track’s genesis reflects a intentional artistic approach, with both artists channelling their collective experience into a piece that resonates with genuine feeling. Released last autumn as the debut single from Love Is a Kingdom, the song quickly seized listeners’ interest via its unflinching exploration of relationship dissolution and self-realisation. The sonic landscape balances sparse instrumentation with Tems’ commanding vocal performance, making room for the song’s core theme to land with maximum impact.
The single emerges as part of Tems’ wider creative development following her 2024 first album Born in the Wild, which itself constituted a result of years spent refining her skills since her 2018 debut with “Mr Rebel.” Throughout this time, she has demonstrated significant development as both a artist and writer, moving beyond feature appearances—such as her notable contributions on Wizkid’s “Essence” and the Drake and Future joint project “Wait for U”—to establish herself as a principal voice in contemporary African music. “What You Need” solidifies this transformation, positioning her as an artist willing to embrace personal exposure whilst demonstrating her artistic independence.
Autonomy and Emotional Clarity
At its heart, “What You Need” serves as an declaration of self-determination. The line “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” encapsulates the song’s core message: sometimes the most compassionate choice is acknowledging when a relationship has run its course. Rather than lingering in bitterness, Tems tackles the subject with poise and clarity, providing listeners a guide for traversing their own personal turning points with grace and conviction.
Tems’ Path to International Recognition
- Debuted 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.
- Secured commercial success with standout singles including “Damages” (2020) and “Free Mind” (2022).
- Built international prominence through collaborations 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 emerging talent to acclaimed worldwide musician represents a masterclass in sustained artistic development. Six years separated her debut single and her first EP release, a period she utilised to develop her signature sound and songwriting sensibility. Rather than chasing fleeting commercial trends, she built a committed following through thoughtfully planned releases and calculated features. Her appearances on high-profile tracks with renowned African and international stars elevated her standing significantly, yet she has continually emphasised artistic integrity above commercial expediency. This deliberate method has eventually cemented her as among modern music’s most esteemed figures.
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 unveiling of Love Is a Kingdom, an EP that showcases her developing artistry and emotional richness. The work arrived with “What You Need” as its opening single during autumn, promptly establishing the groundwork for a increasingly introspective and intimate project. The work with long-time producer GuiltyBeatz demonstrates Tems’ commitment to partnering with reliable creative partners who comprehend her creative vision, creating a unified sonic landscape that merges vulnerability with undeniable power.
The performance on The Tonight Show functioned as a striking demonstration for the EP’s emotional core, with Tems’ minimalist approach allowing her signature vocal talent to come to the fore. Supported by live instrumentation and backing vocalists, she presented a interpretation that surpassed standard TV performances, turning the stage into an intimate listening experience. This strategy emphasises her evolution as an artist who declines to concede on genuine expression, even when playing to vast audiences on US broadcast television.
Scheduled Live Shows
Tems’ performance calendar stays relatively selective, with only three scheduled shows revealed so far. She is poised to top the bill at All Points East festival in London during August, one of the season’s leading festivals. Additionally, she has lined up two shows in Bristol, England, also taking place in August, pointing to a strong emphasis on UK dates throughout the year.
