Lyon, France — Prominent French rapper Werenoi, whose birth name was Jérémy Bana Owona, died unexpectedly at the age of 31. The artist suffered a fatal cardiac arrest shortly before he was slated to appear at a major event in Lyon’s Azar Club on May 17, 2025. His passing has sent shockwaves through the French music community, particularly among fans who had gathered to witness his live performance.
Werenoi was urgently transported to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, he succumbed to his condition in the early hours. Werenoi’s producer, known simply as Babs, confirmed the tragic news to his extensive social media following, sharing a heartfelt tribute to his collaborator and friend.
This devastating event occurred just days after Werenoi was honored with the Album of the Year award for his latest work, “Pyramide 2,” at the prestigious Les Flammes awards. Due to a serious injury, evidenced by his arm in a medical cast in a video message to the ceremony, he did not attend in person.
Born on January 30, 1994, in Melun, France, and raised in Montreuil, Werenoi was of Cameroonian descent. He preferred to maintain a low-profile personal life, allowing his music to speak on his behalf. His candid reflections on his unexpected rise to stardom were marked by a humble acknowledgment of his diligent work and the support of his fans.
Despite being relatively new to the national music scene, Werenoi quickly climbed the ranks to become one of France’s top-selling recording artists in 2023 and 2024, as reported by the National Union of Phonographic Industry. His career, which took off with a viral YouTube video for the song “Guadalajara,” led to a contract with AllPoints France and the release of his impactful debut EP “Telegram.”
His debut studio album, “Carré,” released in March 2023, was a commercial success, moving over 39,700 units in its first week. Following this, “Pyramide,” and his final album, “Diamant Noir,” further cemented his position in the music industry.
At the time of his death, Werenoi was a prominent figure on Spotify with over 6.7 million monthly listeners, with hits like “Scarface” and “Solitaire” resonating with a wide audience. His planned performance at Paris La Défense Arena in January 2026, which promised to be a career milestone, has been canceled in the wake of his passing.
The music industry has responded with an outpouring of tributes, highlighting Werenoi’s skillful songwriting and contributions to the genre. Notable figures, including radio host Fred Musa and singer Pascal Obispo, have publicly expressed their sorrow and admiration for Werenoi’s talents.
In his brief yet impactful five-year career, Werenoi left an indelible mark on the French music landscape. The news of his untimely death has not only saddened his colleagues and fans but also sparked a broader conversation about the pressures faced by artists in the spotlight. As the community mourns, reflections on his legacy continue to dominate discussions amongst industry professionals and music lovers alike. Werenoi’s music and influence, characterized by his innovative approach and lyrical depth, will undoubtedly endure in the annals of French cultural history.