Gérard Hounou, a popular Beninese comedian known by his stage name “Tôtché yômin Nontché yômin”, announced to the public that he is suffering from paralysis following a stroke, during a live TikTok hosted by activist Habib Ahandessi.
Gérard, the comedian with a unique wit known to the public as “Tôtché yômin Nontché yômin”, broke the silence about his health.
In a live TikTok hosted by Beninese activist Habib Ahandessi during the week of June 16, 2025, he revealed that he is suffering from a paralysis due to a stroke.
During this online show, nearly 700,000 CFA francs were raised by users, demonstrating the public’s attachment to this artist who has marked several generations with his humor rooted in local realities.
The vulnerability of Beninese artists
Gérard’s health condition has been a concern since 2021. At the time, actors from the Beninese cinema had sounded the alarm, mentioning a physical degradation without revealing the exact nature of the illness.
Since then, the comedian had been discreet, his presence gradually fading from the media scene. With this announcement, Gérard certainly hopes not only to garner increased support, but also to raise awareness about the vulnerability of Beninese artists who are often left on their own when faced with illness.
The call made by Habib Ahandessi and the public’s response signal a pressing need: to rethink solidarity and social protection mechanisms for figures in the cultural world.