Doctors did not expect Malcolm Hollis to ever speak when he was diagnosed with a brain disorder eight years ago, but next month the ten-year-old will share the stage with Grammy-winner Toni Braxton.

Malcolm, who will perform with Ms Braxton at the Bermuda Music Festival, was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia at the age of two. He will now help raise thousands of dollars for Bermuda Autism Support & Education. Cortical dysplasia is a brain disorder resulting from the abnormal early development of neurons in the brain's cortex. Epilepsy and autistic traits are common among those with cortical dysplasia.

Soon after the diagnosis the leading paediatric neurologist at Miami Children's Hospital told his family Malcolm might never speak.

The family decided to forge ahead and Malcolm underwent daily intensive therapy for 18 months in the US.

His father, lawyer Wendell Hollis, said the improvements in his son's development meant he began talking and started nursery in Bermuda.

Since then his parents discovered Malcolm has a perfect pitch voice, which means he can identify and sing any given musical note without the benefit of an external reference.

Mr. Hollis said Granville Oldham, the former musical director at CedarBridge Academy, discovered Malcolm's gift.

"Malcolm has only been singing seriously for two years," said Mr. Hollis. "Before that he tried percussion, trombone and the piano, all of which he showed a natural ability at.

"Mr. Oldham however was able to recognise that Malcolm had what is known as "perfect pitch" and therefore has focused on his vocal skills.

"Malcolm is a great lover of the performing arts and this summer focused his attentions on percussion and dance.

"He also follows the music industry very closely and has developed a great deal of knowledge of the industry and its players."

The concert will not be Malcolm's first, last year he sang a solo at the Bermuda Music Festival and was also a guest singer at CedarBridge's Christmas Concert.

"He was extremely excited to learn that he once again would be performing at the Music Festival and was over the moon when he heard that he would be performing alongside the great Toni Braxton," his dad said.

"He has now recorded six songs, five of which are covers of previously produced songs and one of which was written for him by Mr. Oldham in a modern Latin beat.

This year five dollars from every ticket sold to the Bermuda Music Festival will go to Bermuda Autism Support & Education. And performer Toni Braxton, whose son has autism, has pledged to bring attention to the condition while in Bermuda.

The festival will take place between September 30 and October 2 with the Toni Braxton concert where Malcolm will appear taking place on the final night.

Too see some of Malcolm's music videos go to http://www.malcolmsmusic.com.

Tickets for the concert are available online from www.bdatix.com or from the i-Store, All Wrapped Up Home, and Fabulous Fashions.