Ostwelve (Ron Dean Harris), was born in the Coast Salish - Sto:lo Territory of British Columbia, Canada. Being introduced to music at an early age, Os was experimenting with the art form of Hiphop by the age of 12 years old. Moving into the city of Vancouver at the age of 13, the Hiphop scene there lead him to the sounds and sights of the growing art of Hiphop.
Os got his first song on the radio at 14 years old and went on to be one of youngest radio hosts in Canada when he began to host the: "When Spirits Whisper" and Halkomelem language program "The Speaker" radio shows on Coop Radio 102.7 CFRO at the age of 15. By the age of 19 Os was performing around the emerging Native Hiphop scene in Vancouver and in 1999 he was asked to join Native American rap artist Litefoot on his "Red Ryder Tour" throughout several states and numerous Native communities in the USA. Since then Ostwelve has been recording music and acting, landing a lead character role and music composition credits on the APTN dramatic series “Moccasin Flats” and movie of the week: “Moccasin Flats: Redemption” for which he has received several Best Actor nominations.
Os also composes music for the APTN children's series: "Nehiyawetan: Let's Speak Cree!", where he resides as the main composer as well as appearing on the show as a musical guest and also a crew member. He has also been traveling the world showcasing his talent and diplomacy, delegating and performing at large international showcases such as the Global African Hip Hop Summit 2005, the Nokia Jam in Johannesburg fall of 2006, 2008 North American Indigenous Games in Duncan BC, 2010 Talking Stick Festival and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Ostwelve has shared the stage with acts such as Coolio, Snoop Dogg, Guru, K'naan, Masta Ace, Living Legends, Abstract Rude, Swollen Members, Moka Only, Litefoot, Rez Official, Digging Roots, Pura Fe, Joey Stylez and Kinnie Starr just to name a few.
He continues to produce, write and compose music for other artists as well as his own ventures and new media projects for other production companies and educational organizations. His last album release was entitled: “Anti-Gravity Dinosaurs” in June 2008 which was nominated Best Rap Album and he was bestowed with the honor of a certificate for Honorary National Aboriginal Role Model from the National Aboriginal Health Organization in June 2009.
Future plans include several music videos and film projects as well as more travel, delegation, community based youth work and a new album in Summer 2010.
More info can be found at: http://www.reverbnation.com/ostwelve