Tems brought ethereal elegance to the 2026 BET Awards with a performance of “What You Need.” Standing center stage, the Nigerian singer sparkled in a weathered white gown, with Adam Blackstone backing her up on the piano. 

As the performance continued, a full band and a group of six backup singers were revealed, accompanied by special effects resembling sunlight peeking through clouds, along with continued lighting changes and fog.  

“I need to be alone now, I need to be alone. Your love is not my lifeline, your love is not my home,” pleaded the singer in the song’s second verse. “Returning you, you’rе not mine, to me, you don’t belong. I’m bеtter on my own, you’re better when you’re gone.”

Released in November 2025, “What You Need” is featured on her EP Love Is A Kingdom, issued that same year. With production from Tems herself, GuiltyBeatz, AOD, and London, the personal project highlights her signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats.  It follows the 2024 release of her debut album Born In The Wild.

At this year’s ceremony, Tems is nominated in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category alongside Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, Ella Mai, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist, Olivia Dean, and SZA. 

“BET represents Black culture and [in the biggest way] we’re able to honor our people together, and show how powerful and successful we can be,” explained Druski, who filled in as host for the first time. “I think this is the biggest stage to be able to show that.” 

Watch Tems perform “What You Need” at the 2026 BET Awards below.