Rapper Werenoi dies at 31
By The New Obs with AFP
Published on , updated on
Rapper Werenoi at the Francofolies festival in La Rochelle on July 13, 2024. THIBAUD MORITZ / AFP
Rapper Werenoi, number one in album sales in France in 2023 and 2024, has died at the age of 31, his producer announced on the social network X this Saturday, May 17.
"Rest in peace my brother," wrote the producer, under the pseudonym Babs, confirming press reports that the rapper had died in hospital after a sudden deterioration in his health.
Werenoi, Jérémy Bana Owona in civil status, has had a meteoric career, establishing himself as the artist who sold the most albums in France in 2023 and 2024, according to figures from the National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (Snep).
"I prefer to keep my private life to myself."If, despite this immense success, he is relatively unknown outside of rap fans, it is because he has cultivated a great deal of media discretion. Werenoi has claimed a taste for modesty, reserve and work, which was apparently instilled in him by his Cameroonian family from Montreuil (Seine-Saint-Denis).
Being the best-selling artist, he explained to "Le Parisien" in January 2024, "is still a surprise, but it means we did a good job . " "We didn't celebrate it. You have to keep your head on your shoulders, in life in general. That's the education I received," he added. "Success came quickly, it's true. It's due, I think, to a lot of work. I spend practically my life in the studio," he confided.
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Werenoi displayed a neutral expression and wore sunglasses. The expression of his emotions was reserved for the audience at his concerts.
"I prefer to keep my private life to myself. By talking too much, you can say what you don't want to say. I prefer mystery. I say enough about myself in my lyrics," he said.
By The New Obs with AFP
