Ben Williams
The entertainment world has been left in shock following the sudden death of Ifunanya Nwangene, who had been building a name for herself on Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.
Friends and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to the 26-year-old, describing her as a rare talent whose voice and presence left a lasting impression both on and off stage.
Known online as 'NANYAH', Nwangene had gained national attention through her appearance on The Voice Nigeria and was widely regarded as a ‘rising star’.
In recent months, her career appeared to be gathering momentum. She had been planning her first solo concert and had teased an upcoming collaboration with fellow Nigerian artist Tbrass.
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The heartbreaking announcement was confirmed by the Amemuso choir, where Nwangene was an active member.
In a statement shared on Facebook, choir announcer Sam Ezugwu wrote: “With painful heart, we announce the demise of Ifunanya Nwangene Nanyah.”
The choir also described the 26-year-old as a ‘rising star’ who was ‘on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world’.
It has since emerged that Nwangene died after being bitten by a snake while she slept in her apartment in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to the BBC, Nwangene's friend, Hillary Obinna, said she 'woke up' after feeling a sharp pain in her leg and was rushed to a local clinic. However, the facility reportedly did not have anti-venom available to treat the bite.
She was later transferred to a hospital, where efforts were made to stabilize her condition.
Ezugwu later explained the severity of the situation, telling the outlet: “While they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak, but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe.”
The hospital was said to have only one of the two anti-venom doses required, prompting Ezugwu to search urgently for the second dose.
Tragically, Nwangene was pronounced dead before he could return.
Animal control officials were later called to her apartment, where two snakes were reportedly captured.
The Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, the hospital that treated Nwangene, has since denied Ezugwu's claims, telling the BBC: “Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”
“We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily,” it added, noting that Nwangene had experienced severe complications from the bite and doctors had been ‘unable to revive her’.
Nwangene had specifically appeared on season three of The Voice Nigeria, where she performed Rihanna’s 'Take A Bow' at her audition.
Her powerful performance impressed the judges, with two turning their chairs. She ultimately chose to join singer Waje’s team and made it through to the knockout round of the competition.
Following her death, Tbrass shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: “An irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music society and Nigeria at large.”
He added: “The pain of saying goodbye to someone whose voice and energy brought joy, inspiration, and even healing to many is heavy.”