ABUJA, Nigeria — Singer Ifunanya Nwangene, a former contestant on “The Voice: Nigeria,” died Saturday after being bitten by a snake while asleep, her opera group Amemuso Choir announced Sunday. She was 26.
“Amemuso Choir regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano,” the group wrote on Facebook. “A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Friends said Nwangene was at her home in Abuja when the incident occurred. According to fellow singer Hillary Obinna, she was awakened by the snake bite, and authorities later found two snakes inside the residence. The exact species of the snakes has not been confirmed.
Nwangene had recently been preparing for her first solo concert, which was planned for later this year.
She gained national attention as a contestant on season three of “The Voice: Nigeria,” impressing judges with her rendition of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” Performing under the name “NANYAH” on YouTube, her audition video has amassed more than 81,000 views.
Her sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and the Nigerian music community.
