Nigerian Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Dies After Snake Bite | The Voice Nigeria Star

The Nigerian music community is in mourning following the sudden death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a rising star who captivated audiences on season 3 of 2021‘s “The Voice Nigeria.” Nwangene passed away on January 31, 2026, after being bitten by a snake, according to reports confirmed by the Amemuso Choir, of which she was a member.

The Amemuso Choir announced Nwangene’s passing in a Facebook post on February 1, 2026, describing her as a “rising star” on the “cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world.” Her voice and spirit, the choir stated, will be deeply missed.

Nwangene, 26 at the time of her death, first gained recognition during her run on “The Voice Nigeria” in 2021, where she was coached by Nigerian singer Waje. While she was eliminated during the knockout round, her performance of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” during the audition phase garnered significant attention, with videos of the performance widely shared online.

The circumstances surrounding her death have drawn attention to the availability of antivenom in Nigerian medical facilities. Sam Ezugwu, co-founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir, recounted a frantic search for the necessary treatment after learning Nwangene had been hospitalized. According to Ezugwu, the hospital initially had only one of the two required antivenoms. He described a harrowing scene, stating that Nwangene was struggling to breathe and could only communicate through hand gestures while medical staff attempted to stabilize her. Ezugwu left to locate the missing antivenom, but upon his return, Nwangene had died.

However, the Jabi medical center, where Nwangene was treated, disputed Ezugwu’s account in a statement to the BBC. The hospital asserted that its medical staff provided “immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.” They maintained the quality of care provided and noted that Nwangene had suffered “severe complications from the bite.”

Friends and colleagues have expressed their grief and shock over Nwangene’s untimely death. Hillary Obinna, a fellow singer in the Amemuso Choir, told the BBC that he was informed Nwangene had been asleep when the snake bit her, and that two snakes were subsequently found in her home.

Beyond her musical talent, Nwangene was also a trained architect, demonstrating a diverse range of skills and ambitions. Ezugwu revealed that she had been actively planning her first solo concert, scheduled for later in 2026.

The outpouring of grief on social media reflects the impact Nwangene had on those who knew her and her growing fanbase. Numerous comments on her Instagram page express shock and sadness, with many remembering her as a “gem” and praising her talent. One user wrote, “Rest easy Nanyah go sing those lungs out with the angels of heaven.”

Nwangene’s death underscores the dangers posed by snake bites in certain regions and raises questions about access to critical medical resources like antivenom. While the hospital maintains it provided appropriate care, the circumstances surrounding the search for the necessary treatment highlight potential challenges within the Nigerian healthcare system. The loss of such a promising young talent leaves a void in the Nigerian music scene and serves as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life.