Ifunanya Nwangene, a budding singer who stole the show during season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, tragically lost her life following a snakebite. At the age of 26, her untimely demise was confirmed by BBC Africa.
The music director of Amemuso Choir, Sam C. Ezugwu, shared the devastating news of Nwangene's "sudden" death on Facebook on Sunday, February 1st. According to the statement, Nwangene passed away at a Nigerian hospital on Saturday, January 31st, due to a snakebite.
"Amemuso Choir deeply regrets to announce the sudden passing of our beloved soprano," the choir wrote. "Ifunanya was a rising star, and the world was just beginning to witness her incredible talent. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed."
Nwangene, who was originally from Enugu, was bitten by a snake in Abuja, where she resided. According to BBC Africa, several of her fellow choir members, including Hillary Obinna, shared more details about the fatal incident.
Obinna revealed that Nwangene was asleep when "the snakebite woke her up." He also claimed that two snakes were later discovered in her home. Footage circulating on social media shows a snake handler removing one of the reptiles from the residence.
The soprano singer attempted to seek treatment for the snakebite at a nearby clinic but was unable to find antivenom. She then sought further assistance at a hospital, identified by Ezugwu as Federal Medical Center.
The Nigeria Police Force did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday.
Nwangene first gained popularity after turning two chairs on The Voice Nigeria's third season with her rendition of Rihanna's "Take a Bow." The official YouTube video of her audition has garnered over 80,000 views.
The late singer shared covers, including more Rihanna songs, and original music on her YouTube channel. Her final Instagram post teased a "new project" with another Nigerian musician, Tbrass.
Following her death, Tbrass revealed that Nwangene had been at his studio on January 28th, recording a feature for his next album. He penned a tribute to the late artist alongside a video of her singing into a microphone.
"An irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music society and Nigeria at large," Tbrass wrote. "My hand and heart feel very heavy as I write this because it is unimaginable to lose such a young, promising, 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."
At the time of her death, the "rising star" had been planning her first solo concert for 2026. Ezugwu also stated that he would share more information regarding the singer's "burial arrangements" on the official Amemuso Choir Facebook account.
