Burundi's YouTube Child Star and Comedian 'Kacaman' Passed Away
The six-year-old became the latest victim of the country's malaria epidemic.
Burundi's six-year-old Kacaman, real name Darcy Irakoze, was a popular YouTube star and comedian known for his online skits and theater performances and performed with some of the biggest names in Burundi's comedy space. Kacaman was diagnosed with malaria last week Wednesday and unfortunately passed away the following day, according to the BBC.
Kacaman's YouTube videos, which saw him as an outspoken and opinionated character acting out various scenarios in his native language, had large numbers in terms of viewership and the child star looked set for a bright future in the comedy and performing arts space. Kacaman had worked with Burundian comedian Kigingi just a few days ago and was still scheduled for another performance with the seasoned performer.
The death of the six-year-old comedian has once again highlighted just how many Burundians have lost their lives to malaria this year alone. The World Health Organisation, more than 5 million people have been infected with malaria and 1800 have died since the beginning of this year. While the country's Minister of Health, Thaddée Ndikumana, has insisted that the reported figures are much lower, UNICEF reports that 2500 children die as a result of malaria on the continent every day.
Kacaman's death has undoubtedly sparked discussion on social media and many have expressed just how out of hand the malaria epidemic in Burundi, and broader Africa, has become.