Ifunanya Nwangene, a former standout contestant on The Voice Nigeria, has reportedly died at just 26 years old after a snake allegedly attacked her while she slept in her Abuja home. The promising singer, described by colleagues as a rising star with global potential, never woke up from what should have been a night of rest.
News of her death was confirmed by Sam Ezugwu, co-founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene sang as a soprano. In a somber announcement, the choir revealed the shocking details.
“Amemuso Choir [regrets] to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano who passed away yesterday 31st January 2026 at the Federal Medical Center due to a snake bite,” the statement read. “A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Many Nigerians remember Nwangene for her electrifying blind audition during the third season of The Voice Nigeria. Performing Rihanna’s “Take A Bow,” she delivered a powerhouse rendition that stunned the judges and prompted two of them to spin their chairs—a moment that cemented her as one to watch.
Off television, Nwangene lived a disciplined, hardworking life that reflected traditional values. According to her social media presence, she frequently sang at weddings and funerals, using her gift to serve others during life’s most meaningful moments. She also reportedly worked professionally as an architect, balancing creativity with a serious career.
But tragedy struck suddenly.
According to accounts shared with the BBC, Nwangene had been asleep when the attack occurred. Her friend and fellow performer Hilary Obinna later explained that he was told the singer was resting when “the snake bite woke her up.” After the incident, two snakes were reportedly found inside her home.
“During an interview with the BBC published Sunday, Ezugwu said that Nwangene was planning to perform her first solo concert later this year,” the outlet reported. “In videos shared on social media, handlers could be seen removing two snakes from Nwangene’s home and a bystander was heard identifying one as a cobra.”
Obinna said Nwangene initially sought help at a nearby clinic, but the facility reportedly lacked antivenom—forcing her to seek treatment elsewhere as precious minutes slipped away.
Her condition worsened rapidly.
“While they were trying to stabilize her, she could not speak, but she could make hand gestures,” Ezugu told the BBC. “She was struggling to breathe.”
According to Ezugwu, the hospital had only one of the required antivenoms and was missing another critical component. As he reportedly rushed out to locate the missing treatment, Nwangene succumbed to the bite.
However, the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi has pushed back strongly against claims of inadequate care.
“In a statement to the BBC, the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi denied that antivenom had been unavailable and disputed claims that its response fell short, saying they were ‘unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation,’” Fox News reported.
The hospital defended its actions in a formal statement, saying: “Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”
Officials further stated that a rapid assessment revealed the singer had already suffered severe complications from the bite. “We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily.”
