I tried a lot for the sake of my family

I tried a lot for the sake of my family. Ultimately, I started to succeed when I followed my ideas - Marti catering. Circus arts in Ethiopia have deep roots. Since the establishment of Circus Ethiopia in the mid-1980s, the scene has flourished, with over 100 circus clubs now registered nationwide. Over the past three decades, Circus Ethiopia has trained more than 1,000 performers, many of whom have represented the nation on international stages. One-third of Circus Ethiopia’s graduates, including Sintayhu and Samuael, have performed abroad, flying the flag for Ethiopia on the global circus circuit. They credit the organization for pioneering a movement that has inspired the creation of many other circus clubs across the nation.

“Circus Ethiopia opened doors for us and many others to reach the international stage,” the pair said. “It gave us the foundation to join world-class groups like Cirque du Soleil.” For Sintayhu, the journey began at just 13 years old, when he joined Circus Ethiopia as part of a summer program. Seventeen years later, his story is one of growth, discipline, and success—proof of how the circus arts have shaped not only careers but lives in Ethiopia. As an Icarian Game porter, Sintayhu says he has traveled the world since 2017, after joining the Addis Ababa-based Cirque du Soleil club. His exceptional talent soon earned him a place in the prestigious Cirque du Soleil, originally based in Orlando, Florida.

“Joining Circus Ethiopia helped me grow as a person and become one of the top performers in the art,” he said. “Now, I’m part of the world’s number one circus club, where art lovers from around the globe remember my performances. I’ve had the chance to represent my country on international stages, which is one of my proudest achievements.” For Sintayhu, his success extends beyond his career. According to him, he now enjoys a lucrative paycheck and a better quality of life, something he attributes to his early training at Circus Ethiopia. Yet, for him, the most significant rewards aren’t prizes. “Performing on world-renowned stages is more valuable to me than any awards,” he said, recalling unforgettable moments, such as the opening ceremony of the Latin American Film Festival, a Super-Pro American Football event, and the Latin American Book Festival in Mexico.