Tems delivered a captivating performance of "What You Need" on The Tonight Show last night. Supported by a live band and a group of backup singers, the Nigerian artist enchanted the audience with her heartfelt ballad, featured on her recent EP, Love Is a Kingdom.
The track, which serves as the lead single from the EP, was first released in the previous fall. Tems co-wrote and produced the song in collaboration with her regular partner, GuiltyBeatz. The lyrics convey her self-reliance after ending a troubled relationship, asserting, “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.”
Following the positive reception of Love Is a Kingdom, Tems launched her debut album, Born in the Wild, in 2024, marking a significant milestone six years after her initial single, "Mr. Rebel," debuted in 2018. Since then, she has risen to prominence with popular tracks such as "Damages" and "Free Mind," alongside notable collaborations including Wizkid’s 2021 hit "Essence" and her feature on Future and Drake's 2022 song "Wait for U."
Tems made her debut with the EP For Broken Ears in 2020, followed by If Orange Was a Place in 2021.
In addition to her recent performance, Tems is set to take the stage at the All Points East festival in London this August, with two additional tour dates scheduled in Bristol, England, during the same month.
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