Ifunanya Nwangene, the 26-year-old singer who rose to fame on The Voice Nigeria in 2021, tragically died after a snake bite.
Nwangene, also a trained architect, was celebrated for her versatile voice, moving effortlessly between soul, jazz, classical, and opera, and had captured the public’s heart with her talent.
According to BBC Africa, onlookers captured footage of a snake handler removing a venomous snake from her apartment, with some reports identifying it as a cobra. Fellow singer Hillary Obinna told the outlet that two snakes were later discovered inside Nwangene’s residence.
Following the bite, Nwangene sought medical help but faced immediate challenges.
She first visited a local clinic that did not have antivenom and was then transferred to a hospital. Sam Ezugwu, music director of the Amemuso Choir, who had worked closely with her, rushed to the facility to support her.
He described her struggle, “While they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak, but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe.”
Ezugwu announced her passing on February 1, expressing deep shock, “Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano. A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
The hospital refuted claims that she was inadequately treated, calling such allegations “unfounded.” In a statement, the Federal Medical Centre said:
“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”
They added that Nwangene’s condition deteriorated rapidly due to severe complications from the venom, and despite their best efforts, she could not be resuscitated.
Social media erupted with reactions, with many offering condolences while others speculated on the manner of her death.
One Chima Francis condoled, “It’s very sad to read and see how a beautiful rising gift has passed away… My sincere condolences to her family, and may her soul rest in peace.”