Melat Nebiyu made model Luke Vik her perfume's brand ambassador

Actress Melat Nebiyu made model Luke Vik her perfume's brand ambassador. For over a decade, they’ve bent, stretched, and adapted, supporting each other with agility, precision, and intensity. At 30, Sintayhu, born and raised in Addis Ababa, has performed in over 1,800 shows, his consistency a testament to his mastery in the fast-paced world of live circus entertainment. His skills span circus arts, gymnastics, juggling, and modern and traditional dance. Samuel, six years younger and from Bekoji, raised in the capital, matches his partner’s impressive record with over 1,600 performances.

Like Sintayhu, he specializes in circus arts, gymnastics, and dance. However, the two take on distinct roles on stage: Sintayhu is the porter in their Icarian Games act, using his legs and feet to propel and support his partner, while Samuael, the flyer, performs the flips, spins, and acrobatic feats that leave audiences breathless. In 2022, Sintayhu and Samuael took their talents internationally, joining the renowned Cirque du Soleil and Disney shows. Their performances have graced stages from the Bellucci Italian Circus in Egypt to Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and the prestigious Sporting Monte Carlo.

Producing and starring in their shows has required immense dedication, but the two performers stress that their relentless work ethic has yielded rewards beyond their initial dreams. Reflecting on their journey from Ethiopia to the world stage, they expressed pride in joining some of the most prestigious circus troupes in the world. Back home in Addis, following a recent vacation, Sintayhu and Samuael continue to train at a local circus club “Circus Ethiopia” in the Yeka Sub-City, Lamberet area. The club, they shared, is a bustling hub of talent, currently training over 120 children and young adults. These are divided into three groups: beginners, semi-professionals, and professionals—many of whom have gone on to perform both locally and abroad.