Collé Kharis
Collé Kharis | |
|---|---|
| File:Collé Kharis - Caribbean Music Awards.jpg Colle´ Kharis at the Caribbean Music Awards | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Colin Alwin Harris |
| Also known as | Colle Kharis the Scorpion |
| Born | June 6, 1974 Georgetown, Guyana |
| Origin | Bachelors Adventure, Guyana, Clarendon, Jamaica |
| Genres | Dancehall, reggae, reggae fusion, roots reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, deejay, director, businessman |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2000–2006; 2022–present |
| Labels | RacJam Records |
Collé Kharis (pronounced /kɒˈleɪ ˈkærɪs/; born Colin Alwin Harris on June 6, 1974) is a Guyanese-born recording artist, filmmaker, and U.S. Air Force veteran. His music blends reggae, dancehall, soul, and Afro‑Caribbean influences. Kharis is known for his socially conscious lyrics, genre‑defying sound, and advocacy for Caribbean cultural expression.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Early life and education
Colin Alwin Harris was born in Kitty, a district of Georgetown, Guyana, and grew up in Bachelors Adventure. In 1990, he emigrated with his family to Brooklyn, New York. Harris later served in the United States Air Force, working in air traffic control systems, and subsequently joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist. He eventually transitioned into a creative career.[1][3] He earned a doctorate in education and often cites his academic experience as foundational to his artistic voice and community activism.[5][7]
Career
Music
Kharis originally debuted in the Caribbean music scene in the early 2000s before stepping away to serve in the United States Air Force and pursue other professional endeavors.[1]
He re-emerged in the early 2020s, blending soca, reggae, and dancehall with contemporary R&B, Afrobeat, and hip-hop sensibilities.[5][2] His lyricism is direct and unembellished, addressing love, social justice, West Indian pride, and personal identity.[4] The production of his music emphasizes accessible, danceable rhythms.[4]
His 2023 album, The Book of Collé Kharis, received praise for its mixture of traditional and modern Caribbean sounds. His 2025 release, Lot 13, was hailed as a “bold new musical journey” by *Caribbean Life*, noted for integrating Afrobeats and hip-hop into his signature reggae-dancehall fusion.[6][4]
Film
In 2016, Kharis directed an independent feature-length film Haima, a dark, gritty action thriller. The film had its world premiere in Central Florida and won the Best Florida Project award.[8]
Artistic style and influence
Kharis's music is marked by:
- Direct, artifice-free lyrics with clear messaging.[4]
- A musical fusion rooted in reggae and dancehall, expanded through R&B, funk, Afrobeat, and hip‑hop influences.[4][5]
- Danceable production that highlights rhythm and beat.[4]
His approach has been described as “socially conscious, culturally grounded, and musically versatile.”[4]
Discography
- Defined Versatility (2005)
- The Book of Collé Kharis (2023)
- Bachelors Adventure (2025)
- Lot 13 (2025)
Filmography
- Haima (2016) – Director[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Khan, Tracy (2024-09-17). "From Air Force to airwaves: Colle Kharis is reinventing his career as an artist". Caribbean Life. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "An artist dedicated to permeate Caribbean culture through music". Caribbean-American Passport. 2025-04-20. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 VoyageTampa (2020-09-13). "Life & Work with Collé Kharis". Voyage Tampa. Archived from the original on 2024-09-17. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Campbell, Nigel. "Music buzz: Reviews – Jul/Aug 2025". Caribbean Beat (Jul/Aug 2025). Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Collé Kharis: Blending Genres, Empowering Voices and Breaking Boundaries in Music". Caribbean E-Magazine. 2024-10-02. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Clarke, Tangerine (2025-06-23). "Collé Kharis Turns the Page with 'Lot 13' – A Bold New Musical Journey". Caribbean Life. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ↑ Harris, Colin Alwin (2021). Air Traffic Control Specialists' Perceptions of Simulation for Developing Job-Related Competencies. Doctoral dissertation (Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) thesis). Pensacola, Florida: The University of West Florida. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Guyanese Filmmaker Wins Award for Directorial Debut". Caribbean Life. 2017-01-19. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
External links
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