US rapper Mos Def has been arrested in South Africa for allegedly travelling on a false passport.

The American music star, who now goes by the name Yasiin Bey, appeared in court after being detained at Cape Town International Airport on Thursday.

Department of Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said the 42-year-old produced the unrecognised passport as he was trying to leave the country.

He allegedly told officials he was carrying a "world passport" but the spokesman said: "There is no such thing."

Bey entered the country on a US passport in 2013 and overstayed his visitor's permit by 2014, the spokesman added.

A court order to leave the country means the rapper is banned from South Africa for five years, but he may appeal to officials for leniency.