For an artist whose music often feels intensely personal, visuals carry a different responsibility. They are not simply illustrations of a song. They are opportunities to reveal another layer of meaning. With the release of the official video for What You Need, Tems revisits one of the most emotionally revealing moments from her acclaimed EP, Love Is A Kingdom, translating its themes of desire, vulnerability and self-worth into a cinematic narrative that feels both intimate and deliberate.
Directed by Ayinde Anderson, the visual extends the emotional language of the record rather than merely recreating it. The video moves with the same measured confidence that defines Tems’ artistry, allowing atmosphere, expression and symbolism to drive the story. Every frame reflects the emotional tension embedded within the song, capturing the delicate balance between longing for connection and maintaining personal boundaries. The result is a visual experience that invites viewers into the emotional world Tems created on the record while leaving room for individual interpretation.
The release also draws renewed attention to Love Is A Kingdom, a project that further cemented Tems’ reputation as one of contemporary African music’s most distinctive creative voices. Written, produced and largely composed by the two-time Grammy winner herself, the seven-track EP showcased an artist operating with remarkable creative control. Across songs such as First, I’m Not Sure, Big Daddy, Lagos Love and What You Need, Tems explored themes of love, personal power, emotional honesty and spiritual clarity through songwriting that felt deeply reflective yet universally relatable.
What continues to distinguish Tems within the global music landscape is her refusal to separate vulnerability from strength. Her music consistently allows space for uncertainty, introspection and emotional complexity without sacrificing confidence. That approach has resonated with audiences across continents, helping transform her from a breakout Nigerian talent into one of the defining voices of her generation. What You Need exemplifies that artistic philosophy, presenting emotional openness as an act of self-awareness rather than weakness.
The new video arrives at a moment when African artists are increasingly shaping global conversations around storytelling, identity and creative ownership. Tems stands at the forefront of that movement, building a catalogue that values substance as much as commercial success. With What You Need, she offers audiences another reminder that some of the most powerful stories are often the quietest ones, told with honesty, intention and the confidence to let emotion lead the conversation.
