SONA MEMBERS

July's In The Room w/ livestream series features a conversation between SONA Education Committee Co-Chair Jai Yoko (Founder of Jai Yoko Entertainment) and Chris Redding, GRAMMY-nominated artist, Composer, and Producer. This livestream will be joined by Dr. Ifunanya Nweke (Founder & Executive Director, Jazz Hands for Autism).

This conversation explores the intersection of neurodiversity and the music industry through both creative and advocacy-driven lenses. Featuring Grammy-nominated songwriter and artist Chris Redding—whose work engages with the emerging neural arts movement—and Jai Yoko, Co-Chair of Education and member of SONA’s Advocacy Committee, the discussion bridges artistry, identity, and access.

Together, they unpack how neurodivergent creatives navigate the industry, from shaping innovative artistic expression to advocating for more inclusive, sustainable systems that support how creators think and work. The conversation offers both insight and practical perspective for building careers that honor, rather than suppress, neurodivergent minds.

ABOUT JAI
Jai Yoko is a music strategist, artist development mentor, and founder of Jai Yoko Entertainment. A Grammy U and former Keychange U.S. mentor, Jai advocates for equity, education, and ownership in the music industry—especially for indie, disabled, and BIPOC creators. They are a member of the Recording Academy, SONA, MMF-US, RAMPD, and a board member of Grimalkin Records.

ABOUT CHRIS
Chris Redding is a GRAMMY®-nominated artist, composer, and producer known for creating immersive, sensory-driven music rooted in the NeuroArts movement. His GRAMMY®-nominated album The Colors in My Mind made history as the first album to feature a nonspeaking autistic individual, blending 528 Hz frequencies with powerful storytelling and sound healing.

Through his work, Redding continues to champion autism acceptance, mental health, and inclusive innovation in music.

ABOUT DR. IFUNANYA
Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Ed.D., is an Empowerment Engineer and a leading advocate at the intersection of
entertainment, education, workforce development, and disability advocacy. As the Founder and Executive Director of Jazz Hands For Autism, she has pioneered tech-enabled pathways for neurodivergent musicians, fostering access to arts education, employment, and industry opportunities. Under her leadership, Jazz Hands For Autism has served hundreds of neurodivergent individuals nationwide, creating employment pathways and generating over $50,000 in earnings for neurodivergent creatives. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. Nweke has lent her expertise to institutions worldwide, including the GRAMMY Museum, the Vancouver International Film Festival, the USC Price School of Public Policy, and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. Holding degrees from UCLA and USC, she is a recognized civic leader honored by California lawmakers and the Empowerment Congress for her transformative work in inclusive arts education.

Watch the livestream on Wednesday, July 22nd at 12 P.M. PT / 3:00 P.M. ET, by subscribing to our YouTube channel and setting up notifications at the link below.