By Nadia Ntiamoah
The French music world is mourning the sudden death of popular rapper Werenoi, born Jeremy Bana Owana, who passed away in the early hours of Friday, May 17—just hours before he was due to perform at a sold-out show in Lyon. He was 31.
The news was confirmed by the artist’s producer, Babs, in a short emotional tribute posted online. “Rest in peace my brother I love you!!!” the statement read.
According to French music news outlets, Werenoi suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest and was rushed into intensive care, where he died shortly after.
His passing shocked fans and industry figures alike, especially as it came just a day after reports emerged that the rapper had missed a scheduled performance due to an undisclosed medical emergency, sparking speculation about his health.
Werenoi was set to headline a concert at Lyon’s Azar nightclub on May 17.
The venue, which has a capacity of about 1,200 people, had been expecting a packed crowd. Instead, fans woke up to the devastating news of the artist’s death, which has since led to a flood of tributes on social media and his most recent Instagram post dated May 1.
Despite his fame, Werenoi had always maintained a low public profile. In his Spotify artist biography, he described himself as a “mysterious figure,” noting in a 2024 interview: “I prefer to keep my private life to myself… I say enough about myself in my lyrics.”
Concerns about his health had mounted earlier this year when he appeared with a cast on his arm in a video message at the 2024 Les Flammes music awards, where he won Album of the Year.
He did not attend the event in person, fueling further speculation about his wellbeing.
Werenoi rose to prominence in the French hip-hop scene with hits such as Scarface, Solitaire, and Chemin d’or. His lyrical prowess, gritty storytelling, and unique style earned him a dedicated following. At the time of his passing, he had over 6.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Born and raised in France with roots in Congo, Werenoi broke onto the scene in the early 2020s and quickly became one of the most influential voices in the francophone rap landscape. His music often reflected themes of street life, struggle, and introspection, resonating deeply with a generation of young fans.
