RIP Werenoi: French Rap Icon Dies at 31

The French music scene is mourning the loss of Werenoi, one of its most influential rap artists, who passed away on May 17, 2025, at the age of 31. Born Jérémy Bana Owona on January 30, 1994, in Melun, France, and raised in Montreuil, he was known for his powerful storytelling and unique blend of trap and street rap.

Werenoi's sudden death occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning after he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest. He had been hospitalized at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris the previous day due to a heart failure linked to unregulated hyperkalemia.

Rising to prominence in the early 2020s, Werenoi quickly became a central figure in French rap. His debut album, Carré (2023), topped the charts, followed by Pyramide (2024), which featured collaborations with artists like Damso and SCH. His final album, Diamant Noir, released in April 2025, included features from Ninho, Lil Tjay, and Gunna.

Known for his introspective lyrics and raw depiction of life in the suburbs, Werenoi's music resonated with many. He was awarded "Male Revelation of the Year" at the Les Flammes ceremony in 2023.

Werenoi's passing has left a significant void in the French music industry. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow artists alike, honoring his legacy and the impact he made in a brief but remarkable career.

-AMG Records