French rapper Werenoi was due to perform on stage on Saturday night, but he has tragically died aged just 31 – music fans have paid tribute to the star after the news broke
Acclaimed French rapper Werenoi has died aged just 31 — hours before he was due to perform a concert. Werenoi, real name Jeremy Bana Owana, was rushed to hospital after going into cardio-respiratory arrest and admitted into intensive care.
But he tragically died in the early hours of Saturday morning, French music news outlet chartsinfrance.net reported.
His death was confirmed by producer Babs, who wrote on social media: “Rest in peace my brother I love you!!!”
Relatives and industry figures paid tribute to the rapper on Saturday, including radio host Fred Musa, who said: “My condolences to his loved ones.”
The star won Album of the Year at French music awards Les Flammes in 2024 but didn’t appear in person to accept his award and instead sent a video message of himself.
He could be seen with a cast on his arm and told told fans he had been the victim of a “serious injury”, adding: “It’s just postponed, we’ll see you soon.”
Werenoi boasts more than 6.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and released popular hits such as Scarface, Solitaire, Laboratoire, Chemin d’or and Ciao featuring Ninho.
He also had the best-selling record in France in 2023, with the album Carre and achieved success in 2024 with Pyramide, the Mirror reports.
The rapper, of Cameroonian descent, last shared a video on Instagram on May 1 and fans have flocked to his most recent post to pay tribute since the news broke.
One wrote: “Rest in peace the goat one of the best gone too soon courage to the family.” Another added: “It reminds us that all this money, this life, this luxury – well the day we are no longer there is nothing, let’s make the most of life may God protect you all.”
Another fan shared their thoughts, writing: “My sincere condolences, may his soul rest in peace.” A third wrote: “Condolences, thank you for your work, what you have offered us has been sublime over the past few years, thank you for everything.”
Werenoi was due to play at Azar Club in Lyon, France tonight. The event description read: “French rap’s number one, Werenoi, is coming to the Azar Club in Lyon for an exclusive showcase on Saturday, May 17th.
“Werenoi has just released his new album, and for this first edition of JACKPOT, you’ll be among the very first to experience it live. A unique evening, designed to make an impression, in one of the most iconic clubs on the Lyon scene.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
