Kane Brett Robinson (born 21 May 1985), known by the stage name Kano, is a British rapper and actor from East Ham, London. Today a darling of awarding bodies such as the MOBOs, Mercury Prize, and Ivor Novello, he has also starred in various internationally successful dramas, including both the original and Netflix reboot of the Top Boy series (2011-23) and the Daniel Kaluuya co-directed sci-fi film The Kitchen (2023).

Starting out as a teenager with home recordings and pirate radio appearances alongside the likes of Demon, Clarkie, and his older brother, DJ Chopper, he had been scouted by the prominent garage crew N.A.S.T.Y. by 2002, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sharky Major, Stormin and D Double E while the group ascended to nationwide fame and magazine cover shoots. The sound became known as grime from around 2004, and Kano signed as a solo artist to Warner subsidiary 679 Recordings on his eighteenth birthday, with whom he released his debut album Home Sweet Home. He also linked up with The Streets on the singles “Fit But You Know It (MC Version)” and “Nite Nite”, both of which boosted his profile on TV music channels.

He received more followers after 2007’s release of London Town, which included collaborations with Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz, Vybz Kartel, and Craig David. He was prolific during the early internet days, releasing various free mixtapes between 2005 and 2013 as well as commercial albums. 2016 saw him lift the lid on Made In The Manor, a fifteen track album with features from grime artists Wiley and Jme, among others.