IFUNANYA NWANGENE, NIGERIAN MUSIC STAR, DIES AFTER SNAKE BITE IN ABUJA

Nigerian singer and rising music star Ifunanya Nwangene — also known by her stage name Nanyah — has died at age 26 after being bitten by a snake at her home in Abuja, authorities and her music community confirmed.

The Amemuso Choir, of which Nwangene was a soprano member, announced her “sudden demise” in a statement on Sunday, February 1, saying she passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, following the bite.

According to choir officials, Nwangene was bitten while asleep at her residence in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory. Fellow choir member Hillary Obinna told media outlets that two snakes were later found inside her home, and footage circulated online showed a snake handler removing one of the reptiles.

Friends said Nwangene initially sought urgent medical care at a nearby clinic but was transferred to FMC due to the unavailability of anti-venom at the first facility. At the hospital, emergency medical efforts were made, but her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was pronounced dead later that day.

Born in Enugu, Nwangene gained national recognition after competing on The Voice Nigeria Season 3, where her blind audition performance of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” turned two chairs and earned her widespread praise.

Music director Sam C. Ezugwu, speaking on behalf of the Amemuso Choir, described her death as a major loss to Abuja’s vibrant music scene and said burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

Nwangene was also known for blending genres including jazz, opera, and soul, and had been planning her first solo concert for 2026 before her untimely death.

In response to online speculation about treatment delays, FMC Abuja has released statements rejecting claims of negligence, saying medical staff provided immediate emergency care, including resuscitation and administration of anti-snake venom, and that the venom had already caused severe neurotoxic effects by the time she arrived.

Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s music community and renewed discussion about access to emergency medical care and life-saving treatments in the country.