From Air Force to airwaves: Colle Kharis is reinventing his career as an artist

Colin Harris, a Guyanese-born musician with a multifaceted background, is redefining his career as a full-time artist after serving in the U.S. Air Force and working for the federal government for over two decades. Born and raised on the East Coast of Demerara, Harris immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1990s. His artist name, Colle Kharis, is a subtle play on his given name.

Harris was drawn to music from an early age and credits his father, a former member of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), for sparking his initial interest. “When my father came home, he’d sit in front of a turntable and play music all day,” he recalled. It piqued young Harris’ curiosity in electronics and led him to build his first microphone. He continued to experiment with music and engineering as a teenager in Guyana.

Shortly after immigrating to the U.S., Harris was signed to Trackmasters, a prominent Brooklyn-based music production company, with his group, Global Impact. While signed, he gained invaluable experience and knowledge early in his career. However, when the label shifted its focus away from artist development, Harris put his music career on hold and joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as an engineering technician.

Music may have taken a backseat while Harris served six years in the military and later worked for the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, but his passion never waned. After early retirement in 2021, Harris decided to return to music full-time.

Colle Kharis, a Guyanese-born musician, reconnects with his passion for music after serving in the U.S. Air Force and working for the federal government for over two decades. Photo by Kelby Walker

Today, Harris is known for his unique fusion sound, blending reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and other global influences. “I’m a fusion artist,” he says, explaining his process of writing music based on life experiences and world events. His second album, The Book of  Colle Kharis, has been well-received, earning him an award for one of its tracks, which also charted on NCN in Guyana. “Music has become my primary focus, and many songs are deeply tied to personal experiences and reflect global events,” he explained.

Harris’ return to music is not just about personal fulfillment—he views it as therapy. After being diagnosed with PTSD and chronic depression due to his military service, music has helped him regain control over his mental health. “Music is a part of my daily routine. At one point, I was taking around 15 to 20 medications a day to cope with everything. Now, I’m down to one, and it’s not even related to depression. The cure for depression is living your life with purpose,” he reflects, crediting music for providing him with peace and emotional clarity.

In the coming months, fans can expect two new releases from Harris: a Bachelor’s Adventure EP and an album, Lot 13. Harris describes Lot 13 as more in his comfort zone, rooted in reggae and dancehall. Despite his focus on creating new music, Harris also works on artist development, paving his path within the music industry

With a career that spans military service, federal work, and musical achievement, Colin Harris proves that pursuing your passion is never too late. His journey from Guyana to the U.S. and from military bases to the stage is as inspiring as it is unique.