The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative

Protégé Junaid Jemal Sendi

I want dance to make a difference to Ethiopia even
a small difference, which may be big in its effect.”

2004/2005

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Destino

Published in April 2009

About Junaid Jemal Sendi and Addisu Demissie

Both Junaid Jemal Sendi and Addisu Demissie were born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and initially trained with the Adugna Dance and Theatre Company, part of a project to develop the potential of the city’s disadvantaged young people. There, they focused on contemporary dance, African and Ethiopian dance, ballet, choreography, drumming and teaching methodologies. Junaid and Addisu first came to England in 1998 with Adugna and performed at the Royal Albert Hall as special guests of Music for Youth. They still work regularly in Addis Ababa and remain committed to Adugna’s inspirational work.