Ifunanya Nwangene, a Former Contestant on ‘The Voice,’ Passes Away Due to Snake Bite
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Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old Nigerian singer known for her participation in Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, has tragically passed away following a snake bite.
According to BBC Africa, Nwangene was bitten while asleep in her Abuja home on January 31. Despite seeking medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries. Hillary Obinna, a collaborator, reported that the bite woke her and that two snakes were subsequently found in her residence.
After being bitten, Nwangene first visited a nearby clinic, where antivenom was unavailable, before being transferred to the Federal Medical Center for further care. Music director Sam C. Ezugwu confirmed her untimely death in a statement on Facebook, describing it as sudden.
“A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world,” noted a statement from Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene performed as a soprano. “Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Hailing from Enugu and residing in Abuja, Nwangene was also an architect. She gained prominence on The Voice Nigeria after impressing judges with her rendition of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” and continued to showcase her talents through online covers and original works.
In the wake of her passing, Nigerian artist Tbrass, who had collaborated with Nwangene, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, stating, “An irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music society and Nigeria at large💔.” He expressed the profound sadness of losing someone whose voice and energy brought joy and inspiration to many.
Ezugwu informed BBC Africa that Nwangene was in the process of organizing her first solo concert scheduled for 2026. Further details regarding her funeral arrangements will be announced through Amemuso Choir’s official channels.
