Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26‑year‑old singer who appeared on season three of The Voice Nigeria, has died after being bitten by a snake in her Abuja apartment, her music director confirmed. She was pronounced dead at a hospital on Jan. 31, the Amemuso Choir said.
Death and confirmation
Amemuso Choir music director Sam C. Ezugwu confirmed Nwangene’s death, saying the performer had been taken to hospital following the incident. In a Facebook post the choir wrote, “Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved Soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene,” noting that she had died at the hospital and calling her “a rising star.” The post added, “Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.” (Facebook post)
According to Ezugwu, hospital staff tried to stabilise Nwangene. He recalled that she “could not speak, but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe.” A friend, Hillary Obinna, told BBC Africa that the singer had been asleep in her Abuja apartment when a snake bite “woke her up.” (BBC Africa)
Career and tributes
Nwangene rose to public attention after competing on season three of The Voice Nigeria. Known for a jazz‑operatic singing style, she earned notice on the show for a cover of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” and was eliminated in the Knockouts.
Her death came three days after she teased a new song with musician Tbrass. In the wake of her passing, Tbrass shared a recording clip of Nwangene and posted a tribute on Instagram, calling it “an irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music society and Nigeria at large,” and describing the loss as “very heartbreaking—especially in Nigeria where music runs deep in our souls and connects us all.” He wrote that Nwangene “left an irreplaceable mark” through her voice and storytelling. (Instagram)
Remembering her work
Friends, collaborators and members of the Abuja music community have expressed grief at the loss of a young artist whose performances had begun to draw national attention. The Amemuso Choir and fellow musicians publicly shared condolences as details of her death were confirmed.
Reported by Brahmjot Kaur for E! News. Source material includes statements from Amemuso Choir, Sam C. Ezugwu, BBC Africa and social posts by collaborators.
Image Referance: https://www.eonline.com/news/1428034/the-voices-ifunanya-nwangene-dead-at-26