{{Short description|French rapper (1994–2025)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Werenoi | image = Werenoi (3x4 cropped).jpg | caption = Werenoi in the Montreux Jazz Festival, 2023 | birth_name = Jérémy Bana Owona | alias = | birth_date = {{birth date|1994|01|30|df=y}} | birth_place = Melun, France | origin = | death_date = {{death date and age|2025|05|17|1994|01|30|df=y}} | death_place = Paris, France | genre = Hip hop | occupation = Rapper | years_active = 2021–2025 | label = PLR Music, PGP Records, AllPoints | website = | instruments = }}
'''Jérémy Bana Owona''' ({{IPA|fr|ʒeʁemi bana owɔna}}; 30 January 1994 – 17 May 2025), known professionally as '''Werenoi''' ({{IPA|fr|weʁənwa|pron}}), was a French rapper. He was voted the male revelation of the year at the ''Les Flammes'' ceremony in 2023. Werenoi held the number 1 position in album sales in France in 2023 and 2024. He released four studio albums and two EPs.
== Early and personal life == Jérémy Bana Owona was born on 30 January 1994 in Melun.<ref name="r374">{{cite web | last=Sortiraparis | first=Caroline de | title=Rapper Werenoi dies aged 31 | website=Sortiraparis.com | date=17 May 2025 | url=https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/news/in-paris/articles/328504-rapper-werenoi-dies-aged-31 | access-date=24 May 2025}}</ref> Little was known about Owona's personal life, due to his desire to keep his personal life and his family matters private. He grew up in Montreuil in a family of Cameroonian origin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1421224/article/2024-01-20/cinq-choses-savoir-sur-werenoi-le-rappeur-dont-l-album-ete-le-plus-vendu-cette|title=Cinq choses à savoir sur Werenoi, le rappeur dont l'album a été le plus vendu cette année en France|language=fr|date=20 January 2024|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> He was related to the rapper Zequin.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 April 2025 |title=«Diamant noir» : le rappeur Werenoi revient avec un nouvel album |url=https://www.cnews.fr/divertissement/2025-04-11/diamant-noir-le-rappeur-werenoi-revient-avec-un-nouvel-album-1662034 |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=www.cnews.fr |language=fr}}</ref> He was a Muslim.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Death of French rapper Werenoi sparks debate about music and Islam |url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/06/19/death-of-french-rapper-werenoi-sparks-debate-about-music-and-islam |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=www.euronews.com}}</ref>
== Musical career == Werenoi released his first song, "Guadalajara", in February 2021, under the name We Renoi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.booska-p.com/musique/actualites/we-renoi-signe-chez-awa/|title=We Renoi, nouvelle signature du label AWA|language=fr|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> During the year he released several other singles, including "Señor de los Gallos", featuring Lacrim. In May 2022 Werenoi signed a contract with label AllPoints France, announcing the release of his first official project, ''Telegram'', a 12-track EP released on 3 June of the same year.<ref name="Telegram1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.booska-p.com/musique/clips/werenoi-calcule-tout-comme-un-ordinateur/|title=Werenoi calcule tout, comme un Ordinateur|language=fr|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> It was then re-released a few months later with two additional tracks, one of which was created together with rapper Ninho. ''Telegram'' was certified gold, whereas the song "Solitaire", featured on it, obtained the diamond certification.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/?interprete=werenoi&titre=solitaire|title=Solitaire Werenoi|language=fr|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
On 23 February 2023, Werenoi released the freestyle "10.03.2023", in reference to the release date of his first studio album, titled ''Carré''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lymu.net/clips/werenoi-freestyle-10-03-2023|title=Werenoi dévoile la date de sortie de son album "Carré" à travers un freestyle très tranchant|language=fr|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> The album featured rappers PLK, Ninho, Tiakola, and Lacrim, and achieved good success, selling more than 18,000 copies in the first week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.booska-p.com/musique/ventes/werenoi-les-enormes-ventes-de-carre-en-premiere-semaine/|title=Werenoi : les énormes ventes de Carré en première semaine|language=fr|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> ''Carré'' turned out to be the best-selling album in France in 2023, ahead of projects by notable artists such as Hamza and Ninho.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linfo.re/magazine/culture/classement-top-10-des-albums-les-plus-vendus-en-france-en-2023|title=Classement top 10 des albums les plus vendus en France en 2023|language=fr|date=9 March 2024|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> On 22 September 2023, Werenoi released a new project, the EP ''Telegram 2'', announced the day before its release.<ref name="Telegram2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.booska-p.com/musique/actualites/werenoi-annonce-la-sortie-de-son-projet-telegram-2-disponible-des-ce-vendredi/|title=Werenoi annonce la sortie de son projet « Telegram 2 », disponible dès ce vendredi|language=fr|access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> He was voted the male revelation of the year at the ''Les Flammes'' ceremony in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2023 |title=Mais qui est Werenoi, désigné Révélation de l'année par les Flammes hier soir ? |url=https://www.infoconcert.com/news/mais-qui-est-werenoi-designe-revelation-de-lannee-par-les-flammes-hier-soir--18693.html |access-date=16 August 2024 |language=fr}}</ref> Werenoi held the number 1 position in album sales in France in 2023 and 2024.<ref>[https://apnews.com/article/werenoi-rapper-french-death-97c89db4ae062569c4f970f99af8d796 Rapper Werenoi, France's biggest-selling music artist in recent years, dies at age 31.] {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
His second album, ''Pyramide'', was released on 16 February 2024.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=7 February 2024 |title=Werenoi déjà de retour avec le premier clip issu de son nouvel album ! |url=https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Werenoi/news-127707.html |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=www.chartsinfrance.net |language=fr}}</ref> In May 2024, his album ''Carré'' received the “Rap Album of the Year” award at the Les Flammes ceremony.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Les Flammes 2024: Aya Nakamura reigns supreme with three top awards |url=https://www.euronews.com:443/culture/2024/04/26/les-flammes-2024-aya-nakamura-reigns-supreme-with-three-top-awards |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=www.euronews.com|date=26 April 2024 }}</ref> On 17 October 2024 Werenoi performed at the Accor Arena in Paris.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1571705/culture/werenoi-dix-choses-a-savoir-sur-un-rappeur-au-top/|title=Werenoi : dix choses à savoir sur un rappeur au top|language=fr|access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref>
Werenoi released the second opus of the project, ''Pyramide 2'', on 18 October 2024. Carried by the single "Pétunias" released two weeks earlier, this 14-track extension includes two features: with Gazo on "La famine" and PLK on "En pétard".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://generations.fr/news/musique/78485/werenoi-de-retour-avec-son-nouveau-projet-pyramide-2|title=Werenoi de retour avec son nouveau projet "Pyramide 2"|date=18 October 2024 |language=fr|access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref> In November 2024, his label announced the release of his new album for April 2025. Lil Tjay was announced as one of the collaborators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap2france.com/news/werenoi-annonce-un-nouvel-album-pour-avril-2025|title=Werenoi announces a new album for April 2025|date=30 November 2024 |language=fr|access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref> On 24 March 2025, he announced the release of ''Diamant noir'' for 11 April 2025. Other guests include Damso & Ninho, Dystinct, SDM & Vacra, Gunna, and Kalash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diamant Noir by Werenoi |url=https://genius.com/albums/Werenoi/Diamant-noir |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=Genius |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In 2025, Werenoi received the award for "Best Album" for ''Pyramide 2'' at the 2025 ''Les Flammes'' ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disparition de Werenoi : Gims, Aya Nakamura, Inoxtag… Les hommages affluent |url=https://www.nrj.fr/actus/disparition-de-werenoi-gims-aya-nakamura-inoxtag-les-hommages-affluent-71364595 |access-date=20 May 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>
== Death == Werenoi's death at the age of 31 was announced on 17 May 2025, after he did not appear for an event scheduled the day before. BFMTV reported that he was taken to the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in critical condition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2025 |title=Le rappeur Werenoi est mort à l'âge de 31 ans après une défaillance cardiaque |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/people/le-rappeur-werenoi-est-mort-a-l-age-de-31-ans_AN-202505170207.html |access-date=19 May 2025 |website=BFMTV |language=fr |last=Msika |first=Perla }}</ref> The circumstances surrounding Werenoi's death, however, were kept private.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/le-rappeur-werenoi-plus-gros-vendeur-de-disques-en-france-est-mort-a-31-ans-17-05-2025-6EOAWZGWPFCGHOTZVFIWBCFXIU.php |title=Le rappeur Werenoi, plus gros vendeur de disques en France, est mort à 31 ans |work=Le Parisien |language=fr}}</ref> ''Le Figaro'', BFMTV, and ''Voici''<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2025 |title=Mort de Werenoi: musiciens, footballeurs, hommes politiques... Les hommages au rappeur se multiplient |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/people/musique/mort-de-werenoi-musiciens-footballeurs-hommes-politiques-les-hommages-au-rappeur-se-multiplient_AN-202505170283.html |access-date=19 May 2025 |website=BFMTV |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2025 |title=Les causes de la mort de Werenoi, à 31 ans, confirmées par les proches du rappeur |url=https://www.voici.fr/news-people/les-causes-de-la-mort-de-werenoi-a-31-ans-confirmees-par-les-proches-du-rappeur-804622 |access-date=19 May 2025 |website=Voici.fr |language=fr}}</ref> also reported that Werenoi had suffered health problems linked to cardiovascular disease; ''The Guardian'' attributed his death to a heart attack.<ref name="k457">{{cite web | last=Beaumont-Thomas | first=Ben | title=Chart-topping French rapper Werenoi dies aged 31 | website=The Guardian | date=19 May 2025 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/19/chart-topping-french-rapper-werenoi-dies-aged-31 | access-date=24 May 2025}}</ref> He was buried in Montreuil.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top-selling French rapper laid to rest after death aged 31 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250520-top-selling-french-rapper-laid-to-rest-after-death-aged-31 |website=France 24 |access-date=21 May 2025 |language=en |date=21 May 2025}}</ref>
His record label, Believe, confirmed his death on Instagram. His producer, Babiry "Babs" Sacko, also posted on X, saying that "All our thoughts go out to his family, loved ones, team, and all those who knew him." "Rest in peace, my brother, I love you."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/werenoi-rapper-french-death-97c89db4ae062569c4f970f99af8d796 |title=Rapper Werenoi, France's biggest-selling music artist in recent years, dies at age 31 |work=Associated Press |language=fr |access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref> A showcase scheduled for 16 May 2025, the day before Werenoi's death, was cancelled; he was also scheduled to perform on the day of his death.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vanityfair.fr/article/le-rappeur-werenoi-est-mort-a-lage-de-31-ans |date=17 May 2025 |access-date=20 May 2025 |last=Marcel |first=Blanche |title=Le rappeur Werenoi est mort à l'âge de 31 ans |work=Vanity Fair France |language=fr}}</ref> Many personalities paid tribute to Werenoi, including Aya Nakamura, Gims, Kaaris, Jul, SCH, Maes, Lacrim, Pascal Obispo, N.O.S., and the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/cyril-hanouna-pascal-obispo-jul-rachida-dati-une-vague-d-hommages-apres-le-deces-brutal-du-rappeur-werenoi-20250518|work=Le Figaro|title=Cyril Hanouna, Pascal Obispo, Jul, Rachida Dati... Une vague d'hommages après le décès brutal du rappeur Werenoi | language=fr }}</ref> Following the death of Werenoi, his producer Babs publicly condemned fake fundraisers appearing online.<ref>[https://www.rtl.fr/culture/musique/mort-de-werenoi-le-producteur-du-rappeur-denonce-de-fausses-cagnottes-7900506431 Mort de Werenoi : le producteur du rappeur dénonce de fausses cagnottes ] {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
In June 2025, a young woman claiming to be Werenoi's partner, filed a complaint against Werenoi's producer, Babiry "Babs" Sacko. A judicial investigation was subsequently opened for "aggravated theft" and "extortion." The young woman accused Sacko of assaulting her in a hookah bar a few days after the rapper's death and demanding of her a large sum of money, between 1 and 2 million euros.<ref>[https://www.bfmtv.com/people/musique/nous-vivons-un-enfer-l-entourage-de-werenoi-se-dispute-sa-fortune-une-enquete-ouverte-pour-vol-aggrave_AN-202506130501.html "Nous vivons un enfer": l'entourage de Werenoi se dispute sa fortune, une enquête ouverte pour "vol aggravé" ] {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
On June 24, 2025, Sacko and Werenoi's widow claimed a million euros were held by the young woman.<ref>[https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/guerre-dheritage-werenoi-lentourage-du-rappeur-reclame-la-restitution-dun-million-deuros-24-06-2025-TGK74ODBVJD6XG2D25WDOVPC3A.php "Guerre d’héritage Werenoi : l’entourage du rappeur réclame la restitution d’un million d’euros" }] {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
Werenoi was scheduled to perform at Les Ardentes in Belgium on July 7, 2025.<ref>[https://www.sudinfo.be/id1014967/article/2025-07-05/le-rappeur-francais-werenoi-devait-se-produire-ce-samedi-aux-ardentes-mais-il "Le rappeur français Werenoi devait se produire ce samedi aux Ardentes mais il est décédé fin juin : « il est encore dans toutes les têtes »" ] {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
After his death, the listening and sales of all his albums jumped in the SNEP rankings, for the period from May 16 to 22: 197% increase in one week for Pyramide 2, 223% for Carré and 5500% for Telegram. His latest album Diamant noir increased its sales by 72%, including 963% in physical format and 37% in streaming.<ref>[https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/mort-du-rappeur-werenoi-les-ventes-de-ses-albums-explosent-depuis-sa-disparition-23-05-2025-4L2KISEXCNE4FC5SCPVCJ3EQGU.php "Mort du rappeur Werenoi : les ventes de ses albums explosent depuis sa disparition" ] {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
== Discography == === Studio albums === * ''Carré'' (2023)<ref name=":2" /> * ''Pyramide'' (2024)<ref name=":1" /> * ''Pyramide 2'' (2024)<ref name=":3" /> * ''Diamant noir'' (2025)<ref name=":0" />
=== EPs === * ''Telegram'' (2022)<ref name="Telegram1"/> * ''Telegram 2'' (2023)<ref name="Telegram2"/>
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb name| 14932298}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1994 births Category:2025 deaths Category:Black French musicians Category:Black French rappers Category:21st-century French male rappers Category:21st-century French rappers Category:French people of Cameroonian descent Category:People from Melun Category:Rappers from Seine-et-Marne