Estelle has claimed that the UK often fails to promote its own musical talent.

The singer said she hoped her recent live collaborations with London-based rapper Kano of her single 'American Boy' would help to bring him mainstream attention.

She told the Daily Star: "I know he’s British and we were doing 'American Boy', but I think he’s one of our greatest artists. I support people that I like, and I still listen to Kano’s music.

"His lyrics, when you hear them properly, they’re not just words when he MCs. He’s spitting lyrics and that’s a real MC for me. What’s wrong with the UK? Why don’t we know when we’re so dope?"

The R&B star, who released her sophomore album Shine last week, has been top of the UK singles chart for the past three weeks.