A devastating snake bite claimed the life of former “The Voice Nigeria” contestant Ifunanya Nwangene after she was bitten while sleeping in her home in Abuja, Nigeria. The 26-year-old singer died Saturday at a federal medical facility, according to those close to her.
The death was confirmed by Sam Ezugwu, co-founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene sang as a soprano. “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,” Ezugwu said in a statement shared on Facebook. “A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world.”
Nwangene rose to national attention in 2021 as a contestant on season three of “The Voice Nigeria.” Her audition performance of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” prompted two judges to turn their chairs, and she later competed on the team led by judge Waje Iruobe. Beyond television, she performed at weddings, festivals, and events and worked professionally as an architect.
According to Ezugwu and close friend Hilary Obinna, Nwangene was asleep when the snake bite occurred. Two snakes were later discovered inside her home, with one identified by a bystander as a cobra. Obinna said she initially sought help at a nearby clinic that lacked antivenom before being transferred to a hospital.
Ezugwu told the BBC that she struggled to breathe and could not speak while doctors worked to stabilize her. Hospital officials disputed claims of missing treatment, stating, “Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment.”
Obinna remembered her as “a very wonderful girl… very intelligent and very talented,” adding, “Everybody is shattered.”
