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African singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who gained recognition as a contestant on “The Voice Nigeria,” tragically passed away at the age of 26 following a snake bite incident while she slept on Saturday.
Sam Ezugwu, the announcer for the AMEMUSO choir, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook on Sunday, stating, “With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Ifunanya Nwangene Nanyah.”
Nwangene, who went by the name “NANYAH” on YouTube, was celebrated by the choir as a “rising star” and noted for being “on the verge of showcasing her remarkable talent to the world,” capturing the profound sense of loss felt by those who knew her.
According to a friend who spoke to BBC Africa, Nwangene was in her apartment in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, and was startled awake by a sharp pain in her leg caused by the snake bite.
The aspiring singer initially sought help at a nearby clinic that unfortunately lacked the necessary antivenom, prompting her transfer to a hospital for further treatment.
“While they were trying to stabilize her, she could not speak but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe,” Ezugwu told the outlet.
The hospital allegedly had one of the two required antivenoms and Ezugwu went out in search of the second dose.
Nwangene was pronounced dead before he could return.
Animal control officials were sent to Nwangene’s apartment and captured two snakes found inside.
One person shouted, “It’s a cobra” as the snakes were wrangled out of the singer’s home, according to a video posted on social media.
Nwangene appeared on Season 3 of “The Voice Nigeria,” performing Rihanna’s “Take A Bow,” at her audition.
The powerful rendition was well received, prompting two of the judges to turn their chairs.
Nwangene chose to compete for Nigerian singer Waje’s team and made it to the knockout round before she was eliminated.
The singer was planning her first solo concert and had teased an upcoming project with fellow Nigerian artist Tbrass.
The trumpeter paid tribute to Nwangene after her death.
“An irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music society and Nigeria at large💔. My hand and heart feels very heavy writing this, because it is unimaginable loosing such a young promising great, 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,” he wrote on Instagram.
“The pain of saying goodbye to someone whose voice and energy brought joy, inspiration, and even healing to many is heavy. From her unique voice, to the stories she told through songs, and the way she represented our culture and struggles, Nanya was a true artist who left an irreplaceable mark.”