Tems continues to showcase her unmatched ability to transform vulnerability into art with the release of the official video for What You Need, a soulful visual that explores self-worth, emotional boundaries and the difficult decision to walk away from a relationship that no longer serves you. The video arrives as part of the ongoing rollout for her 2025 EP, Love Is a Kingdom.
Directed by Ayinde Anderson, the visual opens in black and white before gradually transitioning into color, symbolizing a journey from emotional heaviness toward clarity and liberation. Throughout the video, Tems performs intimate scenes that mirror the song’s themes of detachment and self-preservation.
Musically, What You Need highlights the Nigerian superstar’s signature blend of alternative R&B, Afrobeats and soulful minimalism. Written and produced alongside longtime collaborator GuiltyBeatz, the song finds Tems confronting a painful truth: sometimes love alone isn’t enough to sustain a relationship.
The track’s centerpiece is its powerful refrain, “I’m not what you need,” a statement that transforms heartbreak into an act of self-awareness rather than rejection. Instead of portraying separation as failure, Tems frames it as an act of honesty and emotional maturity.
The song is featured on Love Is a Kingdom, a seven-track project that further establishes Tems as one of contemporary music’s most compelling voices. Much of the EP was written, composed and produced by the artist herself, reinforcing her reputation as a multifaceted creative force.
Over the past several years, Tems has continued her meteoric rise globally. From Grammy wins and Oscar nominations to chart success and high-profile collaborations, she has become one of Africa’s most influential artists while maintaining a deeply personal approach to songwriting.
With What You Need, Tems delivers another striking example of her artistry, pairing introspective songwriting with understated yet impactful visuals. The official video transforms emotional release into something beautiful, reminding listeners that sometimes the greatest act of love is knowing when to let go.
