Jay-Z has come to the defence of UK-born rapper 21 Savage, describing his arrest and detainment by US immigration authorities as “an absolute travesty” and paying for a lawyer to represent him.

21 Savage, whose real name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, is a British national who moved to the US aged 12 in 2005 and went on to overstay his visa.

He was arrested in his hometown of Atlanta on Sunday, and his case has become a cause celebre for the music community, with Cardi B, Meek Mill and Offset calling for his release.

21 Savage is nominated for two Grammy Awards at this weekend's ceremony, including record of the year for the chart-topping track Rockstar with fellow rapper Post Malone.

Jay-Z, 49, announced on Thursday that his entertainment company, Roc Nation, has hired New York-based immigration lawyer Alex Spiro to assist with the case.