Werenoi, France’s Top-Selling Rapper in 2023 and 2024, Dies at 31

French rap is in mourning. Jérémy Bana Owona, better known as Werenoi, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, May 17, following a sudden cardiac failure, announced his producer Babs on the social network X. “Rest in peace, my brother,” he wrote, confirming the rapper’s rapid health decline after being hospitalized at Pitié-Salpêtrière.

A Rapid Rise and Recognized Talent

Hailing from Seine-Saint-Denis, Werenoi quickly established himself as a key figure in French rap. With albums such as Guadalajara (2021), Diamant noir, and Pyramide 2, he captured a wide audience. According to the National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing, he was the top-selling artist in France in both 2023 and 2024. Despite his success, the rapper remained discreet, choosing to express his emotions through his lyrics and live performances rather than media appearances.

An Award-Winning Artist and Final Tribute

Just last Tuesday, Werenoi was named Male Artist of the Year at the Flammes 2025 ceremony, which honors Francophone rap and R&B artists. He was scheduled to perform Saturday night at Lyon’s Azar Club but was unable to do so. Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in, reflecting the deep impact he had on music lovers and his peers alike.

The artist, whose family is originally from Cameroon and lives in Montreuil, leaves a profound void in the French music scene.