14US-based model Jacqueline 'Kgnston' Edwards is fusing the cults of celebrity, music and fashion on the urban music scene in New York City.

She is one of the new faces championing a new movement, island pop, and her latest single, 5 Cent, featuring Billboard-charting deejay Beenie Man is generating major buzz in the Big Apple.

"Yes, I wrote my part and Beenie wrote his part. I wanted a song that was reminiscent of my childhood. I remember dancing to Byron Lee and the Dragonaires and Colin Lucas version of the song, Dalla Wine. I absolutely love to dance. I use to dance in high school and for Tony Wilson so 5 Cent is my fun song, a song that gets me moving all the time and the feedback in the clubs so far has been phenomenal," she said in a release.

She recently shot a music video which will be released this month. Born and raised in Kingston, she grew up listening to '80s pop, as well as local dancehall artistes. Her music reflects all those influences and her soulful music is the perfect blend of pop and soul with a touch of island vibe.

"I have always been around the music industry. And the first opportunity I got to start recording I took advantage of it. And right now I'm in the process of creating myself," she said.

She left Jamaica with a scholarship to Berkeley College to pursue a degree in international business. She graduated with two degrees, the second in management and with top class honours. While in college, she worked for Citigroup in the area of portfolio investments.

She had started modelling after being discovered by renowned photographer and artist Peter Beard while she was jamming at a house party in New York City.

She went on major commercial modelling gigs with designers like Katie Gallagher but gave up the bright lights and fast-paced lifestyle for the gloomy dark escape of a studio booth.

"Music is my escape, it's my expression, it's my freedom. It is the avenue for me to both entertain and motivate people," she said.

Discover more of Kgnston and her music at http://www.kgnstononline.com and follow her on twitter @kgn8