Nigerian singer and global Afrobeats star Tems has delivered another standout moment in her career with a captivating live performance of her song “What You Need” on the acclaimed COLORS SHOW platform. The performance, released earlier today, highlights Tems’ raw vocal strength and emotional depth, reaffirming why she remains one of the most compelling voices to emerge from Africa in recent years.

The COLORS SHOW appearance featured a stripped-back rendition of “What You Need,” allowing the song’s emotion to take center stage. With minimal instrumentation and no distractions, Tems relied solely on her voice, phrasing, and presence to carry the performance. Dressed in a sleek black latex outfit, she stood against the platform’s signature vivid backdrop, creating a visually striking yet intimate setting that complemented the song’s reflective tone.

“What You Need” is taken from Tems’ November 2025 EP, Love Is a Kingdom, a project that explores the many layers of love, vulnerability, longing, and self-awareness. The EP marked a significant artistic moment for Tems, showing a deeper willingness to lean into emotional honesty while maintaining the alternative R&B and Afrobeats fusion that defines her sound. Since its release, the project has attracted attention from international music critics and publications, further solidifying her place on the global stage.

On COLORS SHOW, the song takes on a new life. Tems’ live delivery emphasizes subtle vocal runs, controlled pauses, and an emotional restraint that makes the performance feel personal rather than performative. Her ability to convey strength and fragility at the same time has long been one of her defining qualities, and this performance reinforces that reputation.

Within hours of its release, the video began drawing significant engagement online, with fans flooding the comments section with praise. Many listeners described the performance as soulful and moving, while others highlighted Tems’ vocal control and stage presence. The response reflects her growing international fan base and the consistency with which she delivers high-quality live performances.

COLORS SHOW has become known for spotlighting artists who can truly perform without studio effects, and Tems’ appearance fits perfectly within that tradition. The platform has previously featured some of the most respected voices across genres, and her inclusion underscores the respect she commands within the global music community.

The timing of the performance also aligns with Tems’ continued rise beyond Nigeria. Over the past few years, she has moved seamlessly between African and international audiences, collaborating with global stars while still grounding her work in personal storytelling. “What You Need,” in particular, resonates with listeners because of its universality, touching on emotional needs and unspoken expectations within relationships.

Rather than relying on spectacle, the COLORS SHOW performance succeeds because of its simplicity. Tems stands still for most of the rendition, allowing her voice and the lyrics to do the work. This approach highlights her confidence as an artist who understands the power of restraint, especially in a music era often driven by excess.

As “What You Need” continues to circulate following the COLORS SHOW release, the performance adds another memorable chapter to Tems’ evolving career. It also reinforces the lasting impact of Love Is a Kingdom, a project that continues to find new audiences months after its release. For fans and casual listeners alike, the performance serves as a reminder of Tems’ rare ability to connect deeply through sound, silence, and emotion.

Watch here: Tems | A COLORS SHOW