Celebrity
Rising French Rapper Passes Away At 31 On Day Of Show, Leaving Music World Reeling
Just hours before he was scheduled to perform, French rapper Werenoi reportedly passed away at the age of 31 after a cardiac arrest.
According to French publication Pure Charts, Werenoi, whose real name is Jeremy Bana Owana, was admitted to the hospital on Friday night following a cardio-respiratory arrest.
He reportedly passed away early on Saturday morning after being brought to the intensive care unit at Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris.
On May 17, Werenoi, who is Cameroonian, was scheduled to make an exclusive appearance at the Azar Club in Lyon a few hours later.
His family and management have not yet released an official statement, but social media was quickly inundated with tributes from the French music community.
The French translation of Spotify France’s homage to X said, “Werenoi left us last night.”
“In just five years, the Montreuil rapper left a lasting mark on rap and French music as a whole. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
In a post believed to be in tribute to Werenoi, music producer Babs wrote, “Rest in peace my brother I love you!!!”
French hip hop duo Djadja & Dinaz added: “The release of the new music video has been postponed. All our thoughts to Werenoi’s loved ones.”
And Radio host Fred Musa penned: “My condolences to his loved ones.”
Last year, Werenoi, who was well-known on the French rap scene, was the main act at the 40th Francofolies de La Rochelle music festival.
He also won Album of the Year at the 2024 Flammes gala, which is an amazing accomplishment.
He reportedly sent them a video message stating that he suffered a “serious injury” and that he was wearing a cast on his arm instead of making an in-person appearance.
In 2023, Werenoi’s album Carre became the best-selling record in France. The following year, Pyramide became a massive hit.
Scarface, Solitaire, Laboratoire, and Chemin d’or are just a few of the rapper’s popular songs, and he has over 6.7 million Spotify listeners.
Werenoi had recently published his latest album and was scheduled to perform for a small audience at Lyon’s Azar Club, but he died a few hours prior to the performance.
An event description read: “French rap’s number one, Werenoi, is coming to the Azar Club in Lyon for an exclusive showcase on Saturday, May 17th.”
“Werenoi has just released his new album, and for this first edition of JACKPOT, you’ll be among the very first to experience it live.”
“A unique evening, designed to make an impression, in one of the most iconic clubs on the Lyon scene.”
In 2023, Werenoi’s album Carre became the best-selling record in France. In 2024, he also had success with Pyramide.
His record Diamond Noir was the #1 album of the week on April 18, just weeks before he passed away. The French organisation SNEP announced the news on Instagram.
They penned: “At the first place of the Top Albums of the week, Werenoi’s Diamond Noir with 53,821 equivalent sales.”
Fans have since been sharing their sincere tributes in the post’s comments area, which is the last one to appear on the rapper’s Instagram profile.
A string of comments left in French underneath his achievement read: “Repose en paix,” translating as “rest in peace.”
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