Entertainment
French Rapper Werenoi Passes Away Suddenly at 31
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.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
