French rapper Werenoi, whose real name was Jérémy Bana Owona, passed away at 31 on May 17, 2025, just hours before his scheduled performance at the Azar Club in Lyon, France.
The artist experienced cardiac arrest and was taken to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France, where he was admitted to intensive care. Despite medical efforts, he died in the early hours of the morning.
Babs, Werenoi’s producer, announced the death on social media platform X, stating, “Rest in peace my brother I love you!!!” The news reverberated through the French music scene, leaving fans who were anticipating his Lyon performance particularly affected.
French media outlet chartsinfrance.net reported that Werenoi was hospitalized following cardio-respiratory arrest. Sources mentioned concerns about his health days prior to his death, with Le Parisien noting rumors of a health decline since May 16, when he missed an appearance.
The Azar Club had promoted Werenoi’s May 17 performance as part of their “JACKPOT” series, emphasizing the unique opportunity for attendees to hear his latest album live. The event was set to make a significant impact at one of Lyon’s notable clubs.
Werenoi’s death occurred just days after he won the Album of the Year award for “Pyramide 2” at the Les Flammes awards on May 13, 2025. He did not attend the ceremony but sent a video message with his arm in a medical cast, citing a “serious injury.”
Born on January 30, 1994, in Melun, France, Werenoi was raised in Montreuil by a family of Cameroonian heritage. He kept his personal life private, preferring to express himself through his music. In a January 2024 interview with Le Parisien, he expressed surprise at his success, attributing it to “good work.”
Though not widely known outside rap circles, Werenoi achieved notable commercial success. According to the National Union of Phonographic Industry, he was the top-selling recording artist in France in 2023 and 2024, despite debuting in 2021.
His breakthrough came with the YouTube video for “Guadalajara”, which garnered significant views, establishing him in French rap. He signed with AllPoints France in May 2022 and released his first EP “Telegram” the next month, later re-released with additional tracks.
Werenoi’s rise continued with his debut studio album “Carré” in March 2023, selling over 39,700 copies in its first week. The album featured collaborations with notable rappers and became the best-selling album in France that year.
His subsequent album, “Pyramide,” released in February 2024, maintained his success, featuring collaborations with prominent artists. His final album, “Diamant Noir,” released in April 2025, topped the French charts.
At the time of his death, Werenoi had over 6.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His hits included “Scarface,” “Solitaire,” “Laboratoire,” “Camin d’Or,” and “Ciao” featuring Ninho.
The French music industry reacted with numerous tributes. Radio host Fred Musa shared condolences on social media, while pop star Aya Nakamura, a collaborator, expressed her sadness.
Singer Pascal Obispo, who performed with Werenoi in 2023, praised his songwriting in comments to Le Parisien, highlighting his lyrical and melodic quality.
Spotify France acknowledged Werenoi’s impact, stating he left a lasting mark on French music in five years. His record company, Believe, announced his death with “immense sadness.”
Werenoi was set to perform at Paris La Défense Arena in January 2026, marking another milestone in his career. These plans, along with other performances, are now canceled.
Fans expressed their grief online, with comments reflecting on the fleeting nature of success, urging to make the most of life.
Le Parisien captured the sentiment in the French music community, stating “The French music world is in mourning,” summarizing the industry’s reaction to losing a rising star.
