Rising Nigerian Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Dies at 26 After Snake Bite in Abuja
Rising Nigerian singer and former The Voice Nigeria contestant Ifunanya Nwangene died at age 26 after being bitten by a snake while asleep at her residence in Abuja.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as she prepared for her first solo concert scheduled later in the year.
Two snakes were reportedly found in her apartment following the attack.
Nwangene was first taken to a nearby clinic that lacked the necessary antivenom before being rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.
Medical staff administered immediate treatment, including intravenous fluids, oxygen support, and polyvalent antivenom, but she could not be stabilised due to severe neurotoxic complications.
The hospital confirmed her death at the facility on January 31, 2026, and offered condolences to her family.
Her choir, Amemuso Choir, confirmed the death on Sunday, February 1, 2026, describing her as a “rising star … on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world.”
The music director of the choir, Sam Ezugwu, said:
“We rushed to the hospital when we heard the emergency call.”
“Efforts were made to stabilise her, but sadly, she could not be revived.”
Her brother shared his grief on social media, recounting the morning of the incident:
“I hate this country so much.”
“I called her when I heard about the bite.”
“The delay and lack of immediate treatment cost her life.”
Friends and collaborators also mourned her passing online, with Nigerian artist Tbrass writing:
“Her loss is irreplaceable to Abuja’s music society and Nigeria at large.”
Ifunanya Nwangene first gained national recognition in 2021 during her appearance on The Voice Nigeria (Season 3), where she impressed judges with her rendition of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.”
She was celebrated for blending genres such as jazz, opera, classical and soul, and was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising young musical talents.
Her untimely death has sparked conversations about emergency healthcare response and availability of life-saving drugs such as antivenom in Nigeria.
The music community and fans continue to mourn the loss of a gifted artist whose career was tragically cut short.
