Latest news with #JeremyBanaOwona
France 24
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Top-selling French rapper laid to rest after death aged 31
Werenoi, his real name Jeremy Bana Owona and born in a Paris suburb to Cameroonian parents, was the top selling artist over the last two years in France in terms of album sales. He was buried in the suburb of Montreuil in the Seine-Saint-Denis district northeast of Paris, with fans hailing him as an artist they could relate to who spoke of the realities of daily life. Standing in front of the green gates of the municipal cemetery, Nicolas, 25, said he thought it was "great that he's buried here, in his neighbourhood". "It really touched me that an artist born here, originating from Cameroon like me, won so much hype. I loved how he layered his words with instrumental music." Guards allowed no telephones or cameras at the funeral, with 800 people showing up after prayers in a packed mosque. Following a meteoric rise, the artist died suddenly at the age of 31 in a Paris hospital, with no cause of death specified. His death was announced Saturday by his producer in an X post. His eyes hidden by sunglasses, Werenoi was discreet about his private life, and his massive popularity among French youths contrasted with his absence from traditional media. "People identified with him because he was credible, it wasn't a false image," said Moussa, 33. "He grew up on the streets here." A few hours after the announcement of his death, all his music videos were removed from YouTube. Only the audio tracks remain online, including his last duet ("Piano") with the rapper Gims.
Economic Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
All about Werenoi, France's best-selling rapper in recent years, who has died at 31
French rapper Werenoi, one of the country's most successful music artists in recent years, has died at the age of 31, his producer and record label confirmed. Werenoi, whose real name was Jeremy Bana Owona, topped album sales charts in both 2023 and 2024, according to the National Union of the Phonographic Industry (SNEP), which tracks in-store, online, and streaming sales. 'It's with immense sadness that we've learned of Werenoi's passing,' his record label Believe posted on Instagram. 'All our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, his team, and everyone who knew him.'His producer Babs shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter):'Rest in peace my brother, I love you.' According to French media reports, Werenoi passed away early Saturday at a Paris hospital. The cause of death has not been publicly rose to prominence in 2021 after uploading his breakout track 'Guadalajara' on YouTube, where it quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of went on to release three full-length albums:Carré (2023)Pyramide (2024)Diamant Noir (released just last month)These projects helped cement his status as a leading voice in French rap, known for his lyrical depth, distinctive melodies, and raw have poured in from across the French music star Aya Nakamura, who collaborated with Werenoi on his second album, wrote:'Rest in peace, my dude. This news saddens me deeply. Sending strength to his loved ones.'Veteran French singer Pascal Obispo, who once accompanied Werenoi on piano during a 2023 Paris concert, told Le Parisien:'He stood out for the quality of his songs, his melodies, and his punchlines.'
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
All about Werenoi, France's best-selling rapper in recent years, who has died at 31
French rapper Werenoi, one of the country's most successful music artists in recent years, has died at the age of 31, his producer and record label confirmed. Werenoi, whose real name was Jeremy Bana Owona , topped album sales charts in both 2023 and 2024, according to the National Union of the Phonographic Industry (SNEP), which tracks in-store, online, and streaming sales. 'It's with immense sadness that we've learned of Werenoi's passing,' his record label Believe posted on Instagram. 'All our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, his team, and everyone who knew him.' 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by His producer Babs shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter): 'Rest in peace my brother, I love you.' Live Events According to French media reports, Werenoi passed away early Saturday at a Paris hospital. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Werenoi rose to prominence in 2021 after uploading his breakout track 'Guadalajara' on YouTube, where it quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views. He went on to release three full-length albums: Carré (2023) Pyramide (2024) Diamant Noir (released just last month) These projects helped cement his status as a leading voice in French rap, known for his lyrical depth, distinctive melodies, and raw storytelling. Tributes have poured in from across the French music scene. Pop star Aya Nakamura, who collaborated with Werenoi on his second album, wrote: 'Rest in peace, my dude. This news saddens me deeply. Sending strength to his loved ones.' Veteran French singer Pascal Obispo, who once accompanied Werenoi on piano during a 2023 Paris concert, told Le Parisien: 'He stood out for the quality of his songs, his melodies, and his punchlines.'
