Tems performs “What You Need” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” [VIDEO]
Tems Shines On “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon“
Superstar Nigerian singer‑songwriter Tems delivered a standout performance of her single “What You Need” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon late Tuesday night. The appearance marked one of the breakout promotional moments for her latest EP Love Is a Kingdom, which dropped in November 2025.
The Tonight Show performance was widely shared on social media ahead of its NBC broadcast, with fans buzzing about Tems’ poised stage presence and the emotional depth she brought to the song.
Tems’ appearance on the show offered millions of viewers — especially in the U.S. and internationally — a chance to see her perform material from one of 2025’s most talked‑about EPs. Love Is a Kingdom arrived as a surprise drop last November and quickly became a fan favorite for its blend of alternative R&B and Afrobeats influences.
Why This Performance Matters
Late‑night television can be a powerful stage for artists with global ambitions. For Tems, this was more than a single song on a big show — it was exposure to a wider audience of pop culture viewers and music fans who might not yet know her work.
The Fallon stage has historically been a launchpad for international artists breaking into the U.S. market. The Roots band, live audience energy, and emphasis on performance quality make The Tonight Show a high‑stakes but high‑impact setting.
Tems’ history with American television isn’t new — she’s appeared on the show in previous years, most notably in 2024 when she performed a medley including “Love Me JeJe,” part of her earlier album release strategy. These performances have helped introduce her music to audiences who might otherwise not have discovered her work.
About “What You Need”
“What You Need” is one of the standout tracks from Tems’ Love Is a Kingdom EP. Released on 21 November 2025, the song was both written and produced by Tems alongside producer GuiltyBeatz.
The track blends Tems’ signature soulful vocals with atmospheric production, building a mood that’s both introspective and warm. It runs just under four minutes and features an R&B‑infused beat that complements her vocal range.
Since its release, “What You Need” has drawn attention for its smooth tone and emotional resonance, fitting well within the EP’s thematic exploration of love, self‑reflection, and vulnerability. The song’s contemplative lyrics paired with modern production make it a track that resonates both in intimate listening sessions and live performance settings.
Inside Love Is a Kingdom
Love Is a Kingdom is Tems’ third extended play, and her first major solo project since her 2024 debut album. The surprise release includes seven tracks that showcase her range as both a singer and producer.
Critically, the EP has been praised for its cohesive sound and thematic exploration of relationships, identity, and emotional healing. Fans have noted the EP’s blend of Afrobeats rhythms and alternative R&B sensibilities — a combination that has become central to Tems’ artistic identity.
The EP is characterized by its brevity and focus. Each track serves a purpose, creating a unified listening experience that reflects Tems’ growth as an artist. “What You Need” fits into this framework as both a lyrical highlight and a fan‑favorite moment.
Beyond her voice and production skills, Tems’ lyricism shines throughout the EP. She writes with an honesty that feels intimate yet universal, allowing listeners from different backgrounds to relate to the emotions she explores. This timeless quality is what makes the EP relevant even months after its release.
Tems’ Global Rise
Born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems has built a remarkable global profile over the last several years. She first gained widespread recognition after featuring on Wizkid’s hit “Essence,” which became a global anthem and earned her international acclaim.
Since then, she’s collaborated with major names in the industry — including Drake and Future — and co‑written songs for major soundtrack projects. Tems’ work on Love Is a Kingdom further establishes her as an artist who shapes her own sound and creative direction.
Tems has become known for fusing Afrobeats with alternative R&B, creating music that resonates across cultures and languages. Her contribution to global music has positioned her as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists.
Her rise also highlights the growing global influence of Afrobeats, a genre that has been steadily gaining recognition outside Africa. Tems is often cited as one of the key figures helping the genre cross over into mainstream U.S. and European markets. Her artistry blends African rhythms with global pop and R&B trends, creating a sound that feels fresh but culturally grounded.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media reactions to Tems’ Fallon performance highlighted the excitement around her expanding presence in the U.S. Many fans noted that seeing a song like “What You Need” on a major American late‑night show signals a new phase in her career.
Comments online praised her vocal delivery and the emotional subtlety she brought to the live rendition. Observers also pointed out that this kind of platform helps bridge conversations between Afrobeats artists and mainstream U.S. audiences — a conversation Tems has been central to for years.
Fans have also been discussing how Tems’ EP fits into a broader movement of African artists gaining international visibility. Platforms like streaming services, social media, and late-night TV shows are now key vehicles for artists like Tems to reach global audiences.
Fallon and Music Moments
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has a long history of memorable musical performances. From breakout acts to established icons, the show often highlights artists at pivotal moments in their careers.
For Tems, performing “What You Need” here isn’t just a promotional stop — it’s part of a larger strategy to bring her artistry to the forefront of global pop culture.
The energy of a live audience, combined with Tems’ precise control of her vocals, allowed her to present a version of the song that feels both intimate and grand. This balance is one of the reasons her performances resonate so strongly with viewers.
Looking Ahead for Tems
With Love Is a Kingdom gaining traction worldwide, it’s likely Tems will continue scheduling high‑visibility performances and appearances. Her sound resonates across streaming platforms, and her presence on television further cements her status as an artist capable of bridging continents and genres.
As music fans continue to embrace her work, performances like this one on The Tonight Show help deepen her connection with audiences who might be newer to her catalogue. It’s a moment that blends artistry, exposure, and cultural impact — essential ingredients in the career of any artist reaching global stardom.
Tems’ trajectory suggests she will continue to be a key figure in shaping how African music interacts with global trends. By blending authentic cultural elements with contemporary soundscapes, she creates music that is both enduring and widely accessible.
Her impact goes beyond music alone. Tems has become an ambassador for African creativity, influencing fashion, stage design, and storytelling in music videos. As she continues her career, audiences can expect her to expand both her artistic vision and global influence, setting new benchmarks for international artists from Africa.