Rising Singer Ifunanya Nwangene dies from Snake bite in Abuja

Aspiring singer Ifunanya Nwangene, 26, has died after being bitten by a snake at her home in Abuja on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Nwangene rose to national prominence following her appearance on The Voice Nigeria in 2021 and was celebrated for her unique blend of jazz, opera, classical music, and soul.

Videos circulating online showed a snake handler removing a snake from her home as bystanders shouted: “It is a cobra!”

Amemuso Choir, of which Nwangene was a member, confirmed her death in a social media statement, describing the loss as “deeply saddening.”

“Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday at Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the choir said. “A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”

Sam Ezugwu, co-founder and music director of the choir, told the BBC that Nwangene had been preparing for her first solo concert later this year. He described her as a “rising star” and noted that she was also a trained architect.

Another friend, Hillary Obinna, recounted that Nwangene had been asleep when “the snake bite woke her up,” adding that two snakes were later found in the house.

Nwangene initially sought medical attention at a nearby clinic but was referred to a hospital due to lack of appropriate antivenom. According to Ezugwu, the hospital had only one of the two antivenoms needed to treat her.

“While they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak but could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe,” Ezugwu said. He added that he left to search for the missing antivenom, but upon returning, found that she had passed away.

Obinna described Nwangene as “a very wonderful girl—humble, intelligent, and exceptionally talented,” adding, “Everybody is shattered. We could not sleep at night.”

The choir had gathered at the hospital in hope of a miracle, but tragically, it was not to be.