French rapper dies at 31

WorenoiThe rapper, who has become the best -selling music artist in France in recent years, died at the age of 31, said his record label and producer.

The artist, whose real name was Jérémy Bana Owona, was the No. 1 Album seller in France in 2023 and 2024, according to the international federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) ranking, which includes in business and in e-commerce sales as well as from games for streaming services.

“It is with immense sadness that we have learned about Werenoi's death,” said his record company, said on Instagram. “All of our thoughts are with his family, his relatives, his team and everyone who knew him.”

“Rest in peace, my brother, I love you,” wrote his producer Babs on X.

French media reports died early Saturday (May 17th) in a Paris hospital. The cause of death was not published.

Weroi became known to the French public for the first time in 2021 when he posted his song “Guadalajara” on YouTube and was viewed a hundred thousand times.

He published three albums, Carré In 2023, Pyramid In 2024 and Diamond Noir In 2025 he made him one of the biggest names in French rap.

Several French rappers have released tributes on social media.

The French pop star Aya Nakamura, who was seen in Werenoi's second album, wrote: “Quiet in peace, my guy.

“He made a difference for the quality of his songs, his melodies and his punch line” Le Parisien.