MUMBAI: France’s rap community is in mourning following the untimely death of Werenoi, one of its most successful and influential voices in recent years. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name was Jeremy Bana Owona, passed away early Saturday morning at a hospital in Paris, as confirmed by his record label and producer. The cause of death has not yet been made public.

Werenoi’s impact on the French music scene was undeniable. Over the past two years, he topped the charts with bestselling albums in 2023 and 2024, according to data from the National Union of Phonographic Industry. His music dominated both physical sales and digital streams, solidifying his position at the forefront of contemporary French rap.

His label, Believe, shared the devastating news via Instagram: “It’s with immense sadness that we’ve learned of Werenoi’s passing. All our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, his team, and everyone who knew him.”

Babs, his longtime producer and close collaborator, posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter): “Rest in peace my brother, I love you.”

Tributes have poured in from across the industry. Veteran musician Pascal Obispo, who shared the stage with Werenoi during a 2023 Paris concert, told Le Parisien, “He stood out for the quality of his music—his melodies, his punchlines. He truly made a difference.”

Werenoi’s voice and vision leave behind a powerful legacy that has shaped the sound of modern French rap.