A ten-year-old Bermudian singer will perform alongside Grammy Award-winner Toni Braxton as part of this year's Bermuda Music Festival.

Malcolm Hollis, who has autism, will take to the stage as part of a partnership between concert organisers and the Bermuda Autism Support & Education (BASE).

The singer wowed crowds at last year's festival and at the local premiere of the Michael Jackson documentary, 'This Is It'.

He performed the Jackson Five hit 'I Want You Back' when the film screened at the Liberty Theatre.

Malcolm's performance will aim to raise funds for BASE $5 of each ticket sold for the October 2 performance will go toward the charity, with a minimum donation of $10,000.

Ms Braxton is a national spokesperson for the US group Autism Speaks. Her seven-year-old son Diezel was diagnosed with the disease five years ago.

She said: "I am delighted to use this opportunity to raise awareness of autism.

"Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the US and I know from personal experience with my son the lifelong consequences for individuals, family and society.

"All of us — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and family friends to children — must become familiar with the red flags for autism. The earlier children are diagnosed and early intervention begins the better chance they have of a brighter future."

BASE president Jenny Purvey said that she was thrilled to have support from Ms Braxton and the show's organisers, Kingdom Entertainment Group and Oxford Communications.

"As a national spokesperson for Autism Speaks, Ms Braxton has been a committed and effective advocate in raising awareness and urging parents to learn the warning signs of this developmental disorder," she said.

"We encourage everyone to come out and not only enjoy a fantastic performance by a true superstar, but help give back to the community."

Around one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. The cause is unknown. Those affected find it difficult to communicate and to interact socially.

For more information visit www.bermudaautism.org.