‘Voice’ singer Ifunanya Nwangene dies after snake bite in sleep

‘Voice’ Nigeria singer Ifunanya Nwangene died aged 26 after a snake bite in her sleep as fans mourn

Ifunanya Nwangene, a rising Nigerian singer who appeared on season three of The Voice Nigeria, has died at the age of 26 after being bitten by a snake while she slept. The incident occurred on January 31 in Abuja, where she was living and working as both a musician and architect. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music community and sparked an outpouring of grief across social platforms.

Her passing was confirmed by music director Sam C. Ezugwu of the Amemuso Choir, the group she regularly performed with. In a statement shared online, the choir described her as a gifted soprano whose voice and spirit brought joy to audiences. According to reports from BBC Africa, Nwangene was asleep when the snake bite woke her. She initially sought help at a nearby clinic, but antivenom was not available. She was then taken to the Federal Medical Centre, where she later died despite medical efforts.

Friends and fellow choir members revealed that two snakes were later discovered inside her home, and footage circulated online showing a handler removing one of the reptiles from the residence. These details intensified public concern and added to the distress surrounding the circumstances of her death. Authorities have not released further official statements, but the situation has raised wider conversations about emergency medical access and wildlife safety in residential areas.

Nwangene first gained national attention during her appearance on The Voice Nigeria, where she turned two judges’ chairs with her performance of Rihanna’s Take a Bow. The audition clip continues to attract views on YouTube, with many fans returning to the video in tribute. She also shared original songs and cover performances on her own platforms, steadily building a loyal following.

At the time of her death, Nwangene was preparing for her first solo concert, which had been scheduled for later in 2026. Collaborator Tbrass confirmed that she had been recording music in his studio just days before her passing. In a tribute post, he described her as an irreplaceable talent whose voice carried emotion and cultural pride.

Online reaction has been immediate and emotional. Fans flooded social media with candle emojis, tribute videos and messages calling her loss devastating. Several Nigerian artists also shared posts urging greater awareness of emergency preparedness while honouring her artistic legacy.

Plans for her burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the Amemuso Choir in the coming days. As tributes continue to grow, many supporters are choosing to celebrate her life by sharing her music and encouraging others to discover the work she left behind.