Rapper Werenoi, whose real name was Jérémy Bana Owona, died on Saturday May 17, 2025 at the age of 31. Born in Melun in Seine-et-Marne, but raised in Montreuil in Seine-Saint-Denis, he had established himself as one of the most influential artists in French rap, notably thanks to his albums"Carré"(2023),"Pyramide" (2024) and"Diamant Noir" (2025). His sudden death leaves a void in the French rap music landscape.
Werenoi, born on January 30, 1994 in Melun, France, captivated audiences with his authentic style and powerful lyrics. He made a name for himself in 2021 with the track"La League", before confirming his talent with the album"Carré" in 2023. His latest opus,"Diamant Noir", released in April 2025, was a resounding success, consolidating his place as one of the biggest names in French rap.
From the outset, Werenoi had set himself apart with his incisive songwriting and singular voice. His first album,"Carré", was hailed by critics and audiences alike, propelling the rapper to the forefront of the French rap scene. He followed this up with"Pyramide" in February 2024, an ambitious project featuring collaborations with artists such as Damso, Aya Nakamura, SCH, Maes and Hamza. This album topped the charts in France, confirming his status as a major artist.
In April 2025, Werenoi unveiled"Diamant Noir", a third album with a varied sound, blending rap, trap and Afro influences. The project, which featured featurings with Gunna, Kalash, Ninho, Lil Tjay, Damso and SDM, was acclaimed for its musical richness and artistic coherence.
Throughout his career, Werenoi has collaborated with some of the leading figures in French rap. Among the most notable of these was"Triple V", a track featuring Damso and Ninho, which left a lasting impression thanks to its meticulous production. Recently, he also worked with Gims on "Piano". This was the first collaboration between the two artists.
Werenoi 's talent had been recognized by his peers and music industry professionals. In May 2023, he was crowned Male Revelation of the Year at the first edition of the Flammes ceremony, which rewards artists from urban cultures. This distinction crowned a rapid and well-deserved rise to fame, driven by hard work and a rare authenticity. On May 13, at the third Les Flammes ceremony, Werenoi was awarded the Flamme for Album of the Year for"Pyramide 2". Considered France's biggest-selling album of 2024, Werenoi was due to perform at the Paris La Défense Arena in January 2026. On the 17th, Les Flammes shared a message on social networks in tribute to the rapper.
The news of Werenoi 's death was confirmed by his producer on social networks. The exact circumstances of the death have not been released. But according to BFMTV, the rapper was hospitalized on the night of May 17 at the Pitié Salpêtrière hospital in Paris, following heart failure. He was due to perform at a nightclub in Poitou-Charentes that evening, but was unable to make it.
Her death has sparked strong emotion in the music world and beyond. On Instagram, the mayor of Montreuil, Patrick Bessac, hailed a voice that"leaves behind a strong, sincere, indelible mark".
Werenoi leaves behind a rich and committed body of work, reflecting the realities of his time and environment. His music will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who heard and loved him, testifying to the indelible mark he left on French rap.
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