French rapper Werenoi died suddenly at 31, just hours before a planned performance in Lyon, leaving fans and the music community in shock.

The French rap scene lost one of its defining voices when Werenoi, born Jérémy Bana Owona, passed away unexpectedly. The rapper died on the morning of May 17 after suffering cardio-respiratory arrest and being hospitalized. This heartbreaking event happened just hours before he was set to perform at Lyon’s Azar Club.

Repose en paix mon frère je t aime !!!

— Babs -Plr Music (@PlrMusic) May 17, 2025

His friend and collaborator Babs expressed grief on social media, saying, “Rest in peace my brother I love you!!!” The Azar Club also informed ticket holders of the sad news, honoring Werenoi as “a unique artist and a defining voice of his generation” who left an undeniable mark on his era.

Werenoi performing live on stage, a vibrant presence in French rap.

Werenoi’s career was marked by a steady rise, with four albums released. His final album, Diamant Noir, dropped just a month before his passing and became his first to debut at number one on the French charts. The album’s success helped him gain over six million monthly listeners on Spotify, reflecting his growing influence.

• Released four notable albums
• Diamant Noir hit number one in France
• Over six million monthly Spotify listeners

His music often resonated with authenticity and strength, traits that made him stand out in the French hip-hop community.

The cover of Werenoi's latest album, Diamant Noir.

Earlier this week, Werenoi was expected to perform at Les Flammes 2025, a ceremony highlighting French rap and hip-hop artists. However, he sent a video message explaining his absence due to an injury, showing his right arm in a medical sling. Whether this injury was connected to his sudden death remains unconfirmed.

French pop singer Pascal Obispo, who collaborated with Werenoi in 2023 on the hit single Camin d’Or at Zénith Paris, shared heartfelt condolences. Obispo described Werenoi as “a real good guy” and “a little shy,” revealing plans they had for future collaborations that now sadly will never come to fruition.

“31 years old. He was a good guy, very talented, who had so many things to do. Peace to his soul and condolences to his family and friends.”
— Pascal Obispo

Werenoi was born in Melun, France, on January 30, 1994. Though his origins are somewhat private, his impact on French rap was loud and clear. His distinct style and heartfelt lyrics captured the attention of many devoted fans.

This sudden loss has left a void in the French music scene, particularly among younger artists who saw him as a beacon of authenticity and talent.

Are you curious about how Werenoi’s legacy will influence upcoming French rap artists? What do you think made his music resonate so deeply with fans? Share your thoughts!

FAQs

• Who was Werenoi?
  Werenoi was the stage name of Jérémy Bana Owona, a French rapper known for his authentic style and impactful music.

• What caused Werenoi’s death?
  He suffered cardio-respiratory arrest and was hospitalized before his sudden death on May 17, 2024.

• What was Werenoi’s latest album?
  His latest album was Diamant Noir, released in April 2024, which debuted at number one in France.

• Did Werenoi have any upcoming performances?
  Yes, he was scheduled to perform in Lyon and at Les Flammes 2025 but was unable due to health issues.

• Who paid tribute to Werenoi?
  Many, including French pop singer Pascal Obispo, who had collaborated with him, expressed grief and condolences.

Looking to honor Werenoi’s memory in your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters, including Diamant Noir, at our store Architeg Prints.