Essex Rapper’s Track Reaches Millions Worldwide Through BandLab Platform
Essex, UK – October 2025 – British rapper Tkandz (Ayotomiwa Akande), a 19-year-old self-taught artist from Essex, is making waves on the global music scene with his breakout single “NOW OR NEVER.” The track, produced alongside CXSPER, has topped both the Global and U.S. Spotify Viral 50 charts, signaling a major breakthrough for the young artist who started creating music at just 15.
From Self-Taught Talent to Global Recognition
Tkandz began experimenting with music using the free BandLab app, where he now has over 63,000 followers. The platform has allowed him to share his creations and develop a loyal fanbase, ultimately helping him achieve approximately 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. With over 40 million streams to his name, the rapper’s rise demonstrates how modern artists can reach audiences worldwide from day one.
BandLab CEO and co-founder Meng Ru Kuok commented on Tkandz’s success: “Artists today aren’t starting in one territory; they have the possibility to reach anyone, anywhere if you empower their creativity. Tkandz didn’t have to break out of the UK first, he was global from day one.”
Viral Momentum and Global Impact
“NOW OR NEVER” has not only captured streaming audiences but has also made a notable impact on other charts, debuting at No.136 on Billboard’s Global 200 Excl. US for the week of October 11. The track has also entered Spotify’s Top 50 daily charts in countries including the UK, Poland, and the Netherlands. Its virality was amplified when Barcelona soccer star Lamine Yamal featured the song in a TikTok video, generating significant attention for Tkandz internationally.
BandLab: Empowering Artists in the Digital Era
BandLab, which hosts over 100 million creators, recently expanded its music licensing service, allowing users to indicate tracks as “Open to AI licensing” for AI model training. The platform also partnered with Sony Corporationto integrate 360 Reality Audio into BandLab, enabling spatial-enabled beats for producers and artists.
For Tkandz, “NOW OR NEVER” represents more than a viral hit — it’s a personal milestone. In a recent interview with DJ Semtex on Capital Xtra, he said recording the track felt like “my moment to really shine for myself.” With the support of modern platforms like BandLab, Tkandz is proving that today’s independent artists can achieve global success without geographic boundaries.
Listen to “NOW OR NEVER” on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
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