Kano (born Kane Brett Robinson) is a British rapper, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of grime music, he played a major role in bringing the genre into the mainstream through acclaimed albums such as Home Sweet Home, London Town, Made in the Manor, and Hoodies All Summer.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Kane Brett Robinson
- Stage Name: Kano
- Born: May 21, 1985
- Age: 41 years old
- Birthplace: East Ham, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity: Jamaican-British
- Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Actor, Record Producer
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Religion: Unknown
- Parents: Mr and Mrs Robinson
- Siblings: Lee “Chopper” Robinson
- Spouse: Unknown
- Children: One son
- Relationship: Unknown
- Net Worth: $5 million to $10 million USD
Early Life and Education
Kane Brett Robinson was born on May 21, 1985, in East Ham, London. He was raised by his Jamaican parents, Mr and Mrs Robinson, alongside his older brother, Lee “Chopper” Robinson, and later reconnected with a half-sister whom he referenced in his music.
During his childhood, Kano was a talented footballer and had youth connections with clubs including Chelsea, West Ham United, Norwich City, and Celtic before deciding to focus on music. He attended Langdon Secondary School and later studied graphic design.
Career
Kano began his music career as a member of the influential East London collective N.A.S.T.Y. Crew before launching a solo career in the early 2000s.
His debut album, Home Sweet Home (2005), became one of grime’s defining releases and established him as a leading figure in British music.
Over the years, he released several acclaimed projects, including London Town, Method to the Maadness, Made in the Manor, and Hoodies All Summer. His work has earned widespread critical praise and multiple music awards.
Kano successfully transitioned into acting. He made his acting debut in Top Boy in 2011, portraying Gerard “Sully” Sullivan, one of the series’ most memorable characters.
His performance received critical acclaim and introduced him to a broader international audience. He later appeared in films and television productions including The Kitchen.
Awards and Nominations
- MOBO Award winner
- Mercury Prize shortlisted artist
- NME Award winner
- Multiple BRIT Award nominations
- Acclaimed for his role as Sully in Top Boy
Social Media
- Instagram: @kanogram
- Facebook: Kano
- X (formerly Twitter): @TheRealKano
Personal Life
Kano, 41, keeps much of his personal life out of public view. He became a father in recent years and has occasionally spoken about how parenthood changed his perspective on life. He enjoys football, community projects, and supporting creative talent from East London.
Net Worth
Kano has an estimated net worth of $5-$10 million USD. His income comes from music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, acting projects, endorsements, and other entertainment ventures. His influence on British music and culture has made him one of the most respected figures in grime.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Home Sweet Home (2005)
- London Town (2007)
- 140 Grime St (2008)
- Method to the Maadness (2010)
- Made in the Manor (2016)
- Hoodies All Summer (2019)
Filmography
- Top Boy (2011–2023)
- Films
- The Kitchen (2024)