Young hip-hop artist Werenoi perishes at age 31 in France.
Renowned French Rapper Werenoi Passes Away at 31
It's with a heavy heart that we announce the tragic passing of French rap sensation, Werenoi, at the tender age of 31. His producer, Babs, confirmed the news on social media platform X on Saturday, writing, "Rest in peace, my brother."
Werenoi, whose real name was Jeremy Bana Owona, had been battling health issues, as shown in a video he filmed for the Flammes ceremony in Paris back in March. Despite his arm being in a sling, he managed to attend the event and went on to win the Spotify Flamme award for the best album of the year.
The meteoric rise of this Cameroonian-born artist from Montreuil, near Paris, saw him claim the spot as France's top-selling artist in 2023 and 2024. Despite his immense success, he remained relatively obscure outside of the rap community due to his media discretion.
Werenoi's humility and dedication, traits he credit his family for instilling, took center stage during interviews. "Being the best-selling artist is a surprise, but it means we've done good work," he told the daily Le Parisien in 2024. "We didn't celebrate. You have to keep your feet on the ground, in life in general."
Critics praised his ability to blend aggressive rap with catchy melodies, earning him the title of a "true hit machine." His collaborators, such as Aya Nakamura, SCH, and Damso, paid tribute to him following his passing, with SCH posting a photo of Werenoi on Instagram with a dove as the only comment.
Werenoi's discography includes three major releases: "Carré" (2023), "Pyramide" (2024), and "Diamant Noir" (April 2025). His album "Pyramide" featured collaborations with Aya Nakamura, Damso, SCH, Maes, and Hamza, and topped the French charts.
Although the cause of Werenoi's death has not been disclosed, his record label, Believe, and various artists have paid tribute to him. He leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire the French rap scene, his memory eternalized in the hearts of his fans and peers.
Arts and music were integral parts of Werenoi's life and career, as he won the Spotify Flamme award for the best album of the year in 2023 and collaborated with several renowned artists such as Aya Nakamura, Damso, SCH, and Maes. His albums "Carré", "Pyramide", and "Diamant Noir" are testaments to his contribution to the entertainment industry.
