Tems Performs a Soulful Version of ‘What You Need’ for Late-Night Audience: Watch Now
Tems Debuts “What You Need” on NBC’s Tonight Show
Nigerian artist Tems has made waves with her latest release, “What You Need,” a track that exemplifies the journey of a song from its initial preview to full-fledged popularity. While she teased the song during an Instagram Live session years ago, claiming it "is not coming out," it finally launched in November 2025 as the lead single from her third EP, Love Is a Kingdom.
On March 31, 2025, Tems captivated late-night audiences with a performance of the song on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Dressed in a stunning silver-white gown, she showcased her star power as her band performed behind a delicate curtain.
“What You Need,” produced in collaboration with GuiltyBeatz, offers a poignant reflection on a relationship burdened with doubt. Tems expresses the sentiment, singing: “Your love is not my lifeline, your love is not my home.”
The Afrobeats artist has been instrumental in promoting the genre in the United States. Known for her contributions to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, Tems has achieved significant milestones, including eight entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, she reached No. 1 for her collaboration on Future’s 2022 hit “Wait For U,” alongside Drake. Her earlier collaboration with Wizkid on the summer anthem “Essence,” which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100—partially due to a Justin Bieber remix—earned her a Grammy nomination for best global music performance.
With a total of eight Grammy nominations and two wins, Tems took home the award for best African music performance with "Love Me JeJe" at the 67th Grammys and won for best melodic rap performance for “Wait For U” at the 65th Grammys.
In a recent interview, Tems shared her optimistic outlook on life. “Every day is something different, which is actually very exciting for me,” she noted. “I’m always like, ‘Hmm, I wonder how today is going to go. I wonder what’s going to happen.’" She emphasized the importance of self-care and prayer in her morning routine, affirming, “whatever comes my way, I’ll be fine.”
For viewers interested, Tems’ performance can be watched below.
