Nigerian singer Ifunanya dies at 26 after snake bite
Entertainment
The Abuja-based singer and architect died after antivenom was unavailable
DUBAI (Web Desk) - Ifunanya Nwangene, a rising singer who gained recognition on The Voice Nigeria, has died after being bitten by a snake while she slept. She was just 26 years old.
The tragic incident occurred in Abuja, where Nwangene lived and worked as both a singer and architect.
Nwangene was asleep in her home when the snake bite woke her up, according to fellow choir member Hillary Obinna. The shocking discovery became even more disturbing when two snakes were later found in her residence.
Footage circulating on social media shows a snake handler removing one of the reptiles from her home.
After the bite, Nwangene immediately sought help at a nearby clinic. Tragically, no antivenom was available. She then went to Federal Medical Center hospital for further treatment, but it was too late.
She died at the hospital on Saturday, January 31.
Music director Sam C. Ezugwu, who worked with Nwangene at Amemuso Choir, confirmed her death in a Facebook statement on Sunday.
"Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano," the choir wrote. "A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed."
Originally from Enugu, Nwangene first captured attention during season 3 of The Voice Nigeria. Her blind audition turned two chairs when she performed Rihanna's Take a Bow. The official YouTube video of her audition has garnered more than 80,000 views.
The Abuja music community has been left reeling. Social media tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, choir members and fans.
Many expressed shock at how suddenly a vibrant young artist could be taken.
Others shared memories of her performances and the impact her voice had on them.
"The pain of saying goodbye to someone whose voice and energy brought joy, inspiration, and even healing to many is heavy," one fan wrote.
