By Prosper Mene
Fresh off the release of her surprise 2025 EP Love Is a Kingdom, Tems brought the track’s raw emotion to the iconic stage. Backed by a live band and vocalists positioned behind a subtle fringe curtain, she stood center stage at the microphone, delivering the song with quiet confidence and vocal precision.
No flashy choreography or over-the-top production, just Tems, her powerful voice, and lyrics that hit straight to the heart: a bold declaration of independence from a relationship that no longer serves. “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone,” she sang, turning the late-night set into an intimate, almost sacred moment.
The performance wasn’t just about the music. Tems stunned in a shimmering silver mesh gown that perfectly balanced elegance and edge. Styled by Dunsin Wright, the floor-length white strapless piece featured a fitted mermaid silhouette that flowed into soft layers of gathered tulle at the hem. A textured, ruffled edge framed the neckline, while a dramatic tulle overlay added graceful movement across the hip. The metallic silver mesh caught the lights beautifully, giving the entire look an ethereal, otherworldly glow. Makeup by Kayla Perez and hair by Ashanti Lation completed the vision, loose, full curls framing her face for a natural yet red-carpet-ready finish.
“What You Need,” co-written and produced by Tems and longtime collaborator GuiltyBeatz, is one of seven deeply personal tracks on Love Is a Kingdom. The project, her first solo release since the 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, explores love in all its complexities — from self-love and spiritual connection to the courage it takes to walk away. Fans have been streaming the EP nonstop since its November 2025 drop via RCA Records, and this Fallon appearance is already being hailed as one of the standout late-night performances of the year.
Tems has long been a global ambassador for Afrobeats and Nigerian talent, and moments like this continue to cement her status as one of music’s most compelling voices. Whether you’re discovering the song for the first time or adding it to your repeat playlist, the Tonight Show version is unmissable.
