AS a child, singer Khalilah Rose was determined to follow in her family's footsteps and get involved in two critical sectors.

"I grew up in a household where education and having a corporate career was a must. While pursuing my masters degree I became pregnant and came to realise that fending for myself and raising a baby as a single mom isn't an easy task," she told the Jamaica Observer.

Rose was born in Portland but migrated to the United States as a child. She holds a degree in education from Hofstra University in Long Island, but has quietly forged a respectable resume as a cultural artiste.

She is known for recordings like Weep Not, No Gunz, Your Eyes, and Hail H.I.M., a collaboration with Sizzla Kalonji.

Rose recently released her first album, Zion's Lullaby. it has duets with Turbulence (Unite And be Strong) and Jah is Living which is done with Lutan Fyah.

"This album is more than just music...it is about my enounters in this world be it good and bad and my hopes for the world," Rose said.

In September, she completed a six-week tour of Europe with dates in The Netherlands and Britain where she shared the stage with old school dancehall acts like Frankie Paul, General Trees and Josie Wales.

Rose stressed the importance of a message in her music.

"My expectation is that it's internationally accepted, I just want to help improve the world 'cause music is one of the most powerful tools in media," she said. "I also intend to stay true to myself as there is no price tag for my soul."