French rapper Werenoi, whose real name was Jérémy Bana Owona, has sadly passed away at just 31 years old. He died suddenly on May 17, 2025, in a Paris hospital after experiencing a rapid health decline. While the exact cause of his death hasn’t been officially confirmed, reports suggest it was linked to a cardio-respiratory arrest.

Werenoi first made waves in the French music scene in 2021 with his breakout single “Guadalajara.” Over the next few years, he released three albums—Carré in 2023, Pyramide in 2024, and Diamant Noir in 2025—that earned him widespread praise for his honest lyrics and vivid storytelling about life in the suburbs. Despite his growing fame, he kept his private life mostly out of the spotlight.

His music struck a chord with many, making him the best-selling artist in France for both 2023 and 2024. Werenoi’s talent also led to collaborations with big names like Damso, Ninho, and Aya Nakamura, which further boosted his reputation in the French rap world.

Since his passing, fans and fellow artists have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. Producer Babs shared a touching message, calling him his brother and expressing his love. Pop star Aya Nakamura, who worked with Werenoi, offered her condolences, and singer Pascal Obispo praised his meaningful music and powerful melodies.