The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation is for 2012 seizing on the avenue provided by entertainment; to aid the cause of raising awareness of Autism needs in Jamaica in a major way.
According to statement from the Foundation with less resources available through the global recession plaguing all countries; innovative ways have to be found to meet the needs of the marginalized Autistic Jamaican community.
In this fashion the Foundation created Autism Splash a two day event held last month, November 2011 - was headlined by dancehall legend Don Yute, who donated his star power and status to the event which was a groundbreaking health event, set to screen people for Autism which is on the rise in Jamaica.
Once diagnosed ,someone with Autism is able to get more health assistance which will enhance the correct handling of the disorder.
The Splash combining music and medical treatment - was funded by the Canadian Investment Development Agency (CIDA) to the tune of 1 point 2 million dollars and was held in Kingston Jamaica at the Emancipation Park.
Chung and Don Yute whose given name is Jason Williams; late this year formed a partnership to advance the cause of the Jamaican disabilities community through music and entertainment.
The partnership should progress in 2012.
The two kicked off the collaboration with Don Yute not just headlining Autism Splash the brainchild of Chung, but also performing at Autism in Action another fundraising event for Jamaican Autists, also headlined by Twin of Twins – also staged this November.
Autism in Action falls in line with the theme of combining health issues with the music business.
Don Yute or Golden Child is currently on a high in a career of highs… with a total of seven gold records to his credit, based on the United States ranking system for recording artistes and sales, with a gold record being the objective of many entertainers operating in the US.
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets.
Presently, an American RIAA-certified Gold record is a single or album that has sold 500,000 units.
Yute who has signed on to play RED PAUL in the upcoming movie Hot Steppas, has committed to the Foundation his stardom to help find markets to heighten awareness for the Jamaican Autism cause, as well as helping find resource and financial support.
Hot Steppas has an international cast of well known stars, including other local heavy hitters such as Marcia Griffiths and Spragga Benz .
Don Yute’s role sees him as a powerful and ruthless Jamaican Drug Cartel leader.
The movie will see the combined talents of film producer Daniel A Sherkow, as well as producer Kevin Spence who has to his credits films such as Bad Boys Money Train and Scary Movie.
Already Don Yute and Sean Paul’s collaboration movie soundtrack collaboration: “Uptown Slap” - has been earmarked for the movie’s soundtrack.
It has been confirmed that Sony records are in talks with Don Yute and his team.
Yute has committed his successes for the coming year - to The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation’s increasing efforts to develop a much more supportive infrastructure for Jamaican Autistic and disabled persons.
