Tragic Death of Nigerian Singer Ifunanya Nwangene After Snakebite in Sleep
Nigerian singer and former The Voice Nigeria contestant Ifunanya Nwangene, known professionally as Nanyah, has died at age 26 after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in her apartment. The rising star's sudden death has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's music community and beyond.
Fatal Incident and Medical Response
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday when Nwangene awoke to severe pain in her leg while sleeping in her apartment. According to her friend Sam Ezugwu, who spoke with BBC Africa, she was immediately rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment.
The clinic lacked the necessary anti-venom to treat the snakebite, forcing medical personnel to transfer her to a hospital. Ezugwu described Nwangene's deteriorating condition, noting that while she could make hand gestures, she was unable to speak and struggled to breathe as medical staff worked to stabilize her.
The hospital reportedly only had one of the two required anti-venoms available, prompting Ezugwu to search for the second medication. Tragically, Nwangene passed away before he could return with the life-saving treatment.
Snakes Captured in Apartment
Following the incident, animal control officials responded to Nwangene's apartment and captured two snakes from the residence. Social media videos of the capture show one person exclaiming, "It's a cobra!" as the dangerous reptiles were removed from the singer's home.
Musical Career and Legacy
Nwangene appeared on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, where she performed Rihanna's "Take A Bow" during her blind audition. Two judges turned their chairs for the talented singer, who chose to join Nigerian singer Waje's team. She advanced to the knockout round before being eliminated from the competition.
The AMEMUSO Choir, of which Nwangene was a member, announced her death on Facebook, describing her as "a rising star" who was "on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world." The choir added, "Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed."
Upcoming Projects and Tributes
At the time of her death, Nwangene was preparing for her first solo concert and had teased an upcoming collaboration with fellow Nigerian musician Tbrass. The trumpeter paid tribute to Nwangene on Instagram, calling her passing "an irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music society and Nigeria at large."
He continued, "My hand and heart feels very heavy writing this, because it is unimaginable losing such a young promising great, talented music artist who touched so many lives, it is very heartbreaking—especially in Nigeria where music runs deep in our souls and connects us all."
The artist further praised Nwangene's contributions, stating, "From her unique voice, to the stories she told through songs, and the way she represented our culture and struggles, Nanyah was a true artist who left an irreplaceable mark."
Known on YouTube as "NANYAH," the singer had been building a following and was recognized for her distinctive vocal talent and cultural representation in Nigerian music. Her sudden death at such a young age has highlighted both the promise of her career and the tragic circumstances that cut it short.
