Ifunanya Nwangene, whose singing career was launched after she appeared on “The Voice Nigeria” season 3, has passed away after she was bitten by a snake, People reports. She was 26 years old.
According to BBC Africa, Nwangene died on Saturday, Jan. 31, in Abuja, Nigeria. The outlet reported that social media videos surfaced of a snake handler removing a snake from her apartment. In the background, someone could be heard screaming, “It is a cobra!”
Ifunanya Nwangene Bitten by Snake in Her Sleep
Hillary Obinna, a friend of the rising artist, informed the BBC that Nwangene was asleep when “the snake bite woke her up.” Obinna shared that when the snake handler searched the singer’s apartment, two of them were found.
Obinna added that “everybody is shattered” about the artist’s death, noting that she was “a very wonderful girl; she is humble – very intelligent and very talented.”
Sam Ezugwu, the co-founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir, where Nwangene sang, told the BBC that he rushed to the Federal Medical Centre after hearing the singer had taken herself there.
He described Nwangene’s condition, saying, “While they were trying to stabilize her, she could not speak, but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe.”
Ezugwu later confirmed Nwangene’s death in a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday, Feb. 1. He referred to his friend as a “rising star” who was “on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world,” adding that “her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Ifunanya Nwangene’s Audition on ‘The Voice Nigeria’
Nwangene’s appearance on “The Voice Nigeria” in 2021 highlighted her talents with jazz, opera, classical music and soul.
During the blind auditions, the songstress showcased her musical skills by singing “Take a Bow” by Rihanna, ultimately turning two chairs at the very last minute.
Ifunanya Nwangene’s Brother Expresses His Heartbreak
Brother of Nwangene, Emy Kaybaba, expressed his immense grief on his Instagram Story following his sister’s death. He wrote that the singer brought herself to the hospital “without any help,” adding that she “fought till the end.”
In a repost of screenshots from Kaybaba’s Instagram Story, supporters poured in their condolences for the heartbreaking story.
“This broke me! 😭😭😭,” commented one.
“This is painful,” said another.
“God please!!! Ah! 💔,” said a third.
Nwangene will be remembered not only for her remarkable singing voice but also for her incredible bravery and strength.
Such a tragedy. How did the snakes get into her bedroom? Where did they come from?