ASPIRING NIGERIAN SINGER DIES AFTER SNAKE BITE IN ABUJA.

ASPIRING NIGERIAN SINGER DIES AFTER SNAKE BITE IN ABUJA.

An aspiring Nigerian singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, has died after being bitten by a snake in her apartment in the capital, Abuja.

Nwangene, aged 26, rose to national prominence in 2021 after appearing on The Voice Nigeria, where she impressed audiences with her unique blend of jazz, opera, classical music and soul. Her death on Saturday has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians and members of the creative industry.

According to close friends, Nwangene was asleep when the snake bit her, prompting an emergency rush to seek medical attention. She was first taken to a nearby clinic before being transferred to hospital for further treatment. Videos circulating on social media show a snake handler removing a snake from her residence, with witnesses claiming it was a cobra.

Sam Ezugwu, co-founder and music director of the Amemuso Choir where Nwangene sang, described her as a rising star who had been planning to hold her first solo concert later this year. He said she struggled to breathe and could only make hand gestures as doctors tried to stabilise her.

The Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, where she was treated, has dismissed claims that antivenom was unavailable, saying its medical staff administered appropriate treatment, including snake antivenom, and carried out resuscitation efforts. The hospital said Nwangene suffered severe complications from the bite and her condition suddenly deteriorated before she could be transferred to intensive care.

Nwangene, who was also a trained architect, is being remembered for her talent, versatility and promising future in Nigeria’s music industry.