Colleˊ Kharis

Colin Alwin Harris (born 6 June 1974), professionally known by his stage name Colleˊ Kharis (pronounced ), is a Guyanese American reggae and dancehall recording artist hailing from the small country of Guyana, South America. He is best known for his 2022 single "Johnny Don't Cry".

Background
Colleˊ Kharis was born in Kitty, a district of Georgetown, in Guyana's Demerara-Mahaica Region. He grew up in nearby Bachelor's Adventure, a semi-rural village on the east coast of Guyana, until relocating to the United States. His stage name, Colleˊ Kharis, is a byproduct of his birth name, Colin Harris. Colleˊ was the fifth of six children. His father, a veteran of the Guyana Defense Force, died when Colleˊ was thirteen years old. His mother worked as a sales manager at a community shopping plaza in Guyana. In 1990, he immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, with his family. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States military.

Education
Colleˊ Kharis earned an Associate Degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and dual associate degrees in General Studies and Industrial management Technology from Northwest Florida State College. In 2008, he achieved a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Technology from Excelsior College. Later, in 2010, he received a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Troy University. While working as a Airway Transportation Systems Specialist for the FAA, he pursued a Educational Specialist degree in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction at The University of West Florida, which he completed in 2018. In 2021, Colleˊ Kharis capped off his academic journey with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instruction and Human Performance Technology from The University of West Florida.

Career
Colleˊ Kharis' got his passion for music from his father. As a young boy, Colleˊ watch his father routinely playing his collection of vinyl records – consistently flipping the record to the opposite side to listen to the other songs. His interest grew for deejaying after routinely watching his favorite reggae artists performing on Reggae Sunsplash and Sting reggae music festivals on VHS. At Age 14, Colleˊ started writing lyrics to the instrumentals (riddim) side of his father's size 45 vinyl records. Shortly after, Colleˊ picked up the microphone and began toasting under the moniker of Scorpion.

Colleˊ Kharis enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1999 and obtained the AFSC of 2E0X1 (Ground Radar Systems). He served with 96th Communications Squadron during the War in Afghanistan and Second Persian Gulf War. The highest rank he achieved was Staff sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge in 2005.

In 2005, Colleˊ Kharis embarked on a civil servant career with the Department of Defense, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. His professional journey continued to evolve when, in late 2008, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Electrical Engineering Technician), based in Orlando, Florida. In 2018, Colleˊ Kharis expanded his horizons by accepting an interagency position as a Systems and Security Specialist for the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, marking a transition to Tampa, Florida. However, in 2021, after a successful and impactful career in aviation, Colleˊ Kharis retired from the FAA to pursue his true passion—music. Today, he thrives as a full-time fusion-reggae recording artist, channeling his creative energies into his music career.



Colleˊ Kharis began recording his full-length debut album, Defined Versatility, which he co-produced. He completed and released Defined Versatility, while serving in the United States Air Force in the Florida Panhandle. It was first released in 2005 by the independent label, Rac Jam Records, and then rereleased through DistroKid in May 2019. Colleˊ perfected his craft as a performer by sharing the stage as the opening act for Jamaican reggae artist Wayne Wonder and popular Hip-hop artists such as Slick Rick, Mr. Cheeks, Ying Yang Twins, Pastor Troy, Chamillionaire, Lil’ Flip, Roy Jones Jr., and more. In 2022, Colleˊ Kharis recorded "Johnny Don't Cry", a track inspired, in part, by the public trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, and Tomorrow's Freedom, a revolutionary song tackling the injustices against the poor and minorities. In 2023, he released his sophomore album titled The Book of Colleˊ Kharis."

Voice and musical style
Colleˊ Kharis' musical tone can be described as soulful, rhythmic, and deeply emotive. His music is a fusion of reggae, pop, R&B, funk, soul, rock, dancehall and various Caribbean rhythms. Kharis' vocal delivery was characterized by its smoothness, passion, and sincerity, allowing him to convey a wide range of emotions in his songs, from joy and love to defiance and social commentary.

Colleˊ Kharis' musical timbre, or the quality of his sound, was characterized by a warm and resonant tone. His voice had a distinctive richness and depth, often tinged with a hint of raspiness, which added to the soulfulness and authenticity of his delivery.

Songwriting
According to the performance rights organization, BMI, Colleˊ Kharis wrote all the lyrics for his songs and co-wrote the songs featuring other artists. As a lyricist, Colleˊ Kharis is a storyteller and social commentator, using his music as a platform to address a wide range of themes including love, spirituality, social justice, and political activism. Kharis' lyrics are often deeply poetic and thought-provoking, combining simple yet profound imagery with powerful messages that resonate with audiences worldwide. One of Kharis' strengths as a lyricist was his ability to tackle complex social and political issues with clarity and conviction. Many of his songs addressed themes of oppression, inequality, and resistance, drawing from his own experiences growing up in Guyana and the United States, and his commitment to the black struggle. Tracks like "Tomorrow’s Freedom," "Echoes of War," and "Beautiful Black Flower" are prime examples of Kharis' ability to use his lyrics to inspire activism and encourage listeners to stand up against injustice.

In parallel, Kharis demonstrated proficiency in writing songs centered on themes of love, unity, and self-love, and self-care. Exemplary tracks such as "My Love I’m Here," "Life of Purpose," and "A Good Day" underscore his capacity to articulate profound emotional sentiments with both simplicity and sincerity, frequently leveraging universal motifs to forge intimate connections with audiences.

Colleˊ Kharis, in various radio and podcast interviews, has revealed that he typically begins his lyric writing process with a pre-produced riddim, also known as a beat or instrumental. He then embarks on lengthy walks along the serene trails within his community. Nestled amidst lush vegetation and several lakes, this environment offers a tranquil haven, often affording him glimpses of wildlife. It's within this peaceful setting that his creativity flourishes, enabling him to compose compelling and inspired lyrics.

Influences
Colleˊ Kharis acknowledges Damian Marley, the youngest son of the iconic reggae artist Bob Marley, as a primary source of musical inspiration. Attending Damian Marley’s concert at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL on July 26, 2017, proved to be a profound experience for Colleˊ, who considers it one of the most remarkable concerts he has ever witnessed. Marley's performance left an indelible impression on him, solidifying Marley's influence on his musical journey.

Colleˊ credits Damian Marley not only for his musical style but also for his ability to navigate between genres, particularly his transition from dancehall to a more traditional roots reggae sound. Expressing admiration for Marley's evolution, Colleˊ explains, "I’m a big fan of Damian Marley… as far as he started in the dancehall realm and kinda went more into the roots now."

In his earlier days as a dancehall artist, Colleˊ drew inspiration from the dynamic stage presence and authority of Shabba Ranks. Ranks' influence is evident in Colleˊ's own performances, characterized by their energy and confidence.

Similarly, when asked about his dream collaboration by Rico Vibes on the Take5 show, Colleˊ expressed a desire to work with Capleton, despite the artist's prominence in the dancehall genre. Colleˊ admires Capleton's ability to infuse any riddim with electrifying energy, making him a compelling choice for collaboration.

Beyond Damian Marley and Shabba Ranks, ColleˊKharis' musical influences encompass a diverse range of artists, including his father Bob Marley, Collie Buddz, and Buju Banton. These influences converge to shape Colleˊ's unique musical style, marked by its authenticity and passion. As he continues to pursue his musical aspirations, Colleˊ remains dedicated to honoring the legacies of his influences while forging his own path in the world of music.

Filmography

 * Films
 * MMXII (producer) (2017)
 * Haima (writer, director, editor, & producer) (2016)
 * Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer (camera operator) (2012)
 * Flawed Proposal (director, editor, & producer) (2006)


 * Concert films
 * Colle' Kharis First Access Performance: Live (also writer) (2023)


 * Shows
 * Xplore (writer, director, editor, & producer) (2023)
 * The Caribbean Net Worth (writer) (2020 - 2021)

Achievements
Colleˊ Kharis' song Life of Purpose was named Song of the Week in March 2024 by National Communications Network (NCN) 98.1 Hot FM, by Nerissa Pearson.