It does not seem so long ago that Kano was winning the MOBO Award for best newcomer. That was back in 2005 and these days, the Brit-nominated rapper is working on his fifth studio album, collaborating with the likes of Damon Albarn, Labrinth, Plan B, Benga and Farhot.

An original from the UK’s grime scene, the Typical Me singer has faired best when he has worked with other artists in his career, with hits This Is The Girl featuring Craig David and Nite Nite featuring Leo the Lion and The Streets.

Fans of 2011 Channel 4 drama Top Boy will also recognise the 27-year-old for playing Sully, an underground drug dealer. The East London-raised performer is also the face of the new Mercedes A class campaign.

“Top Boy was a good experience for me,” he said in a recent interview.

“I didn’t think it was going to be so hard to tell the truth. I thought I was going to be able to make music alongside it and leave the set to go to the studio but it was not like that at all. I have got a new-found respect for acting because it took up so much of my energy and my focus. Now I can focus on my music.”

Catch him in action at Margate Winter Gardens on Friday, February 1. Support comes from Sway. Tickets £17.50. Box office 01843 296111.