The Nigerian music industry is mourning the tragic and untimely death of singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away at just 26 years old following a snake bite. The heartbreaking incident has left fans, friends, and fellow musicians in deep shock and sorrow.
Ifunanya reportedly died on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre after suffering complications from the snake bite. The news of her sudden passing was confirmed by the AMEMUSO Choir, an opera group she was a part of. The group shared the devastating update through an emotional Instagram post, expressing grief over the loss of their talented soprano.
In their tribute, the choir described Ifunanya as a rising star who was on the verge of achieving global recognition. They remembered her not only for her remarkable vocal talent but also for her vibrant spirit and dedication to music. The group noted that her presence and voice would be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of emotional reactions from fans and colleagues across social media. Many expressed disbelief over her sudden death, recalling personal memories and her warm personality. One mourner shared a touching tribute, revealing that they had met Ifunanya during rehearsals just days before her passing. The fan described her as cheerful, friendly, and extremely talented, calling her a “superstar” whose life ended far too soon.
Several others struggled to process the loss, with messages filled with grief and shock flooding social platforms. Many described her death as painful and tragic, highlighting the immense potential she carried as a young artist.
Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known by her stage name Nanyah, first gained national recognition when she appeared on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria in 2021. Her performances quickly won the hearts of audiences, thanks to her unique ability to blend multiple genres, including jazz, opera, soul, and R&B. Her distinctive sound and stage presence made her one of the standout contestants of the season.
Beyond music, Ifunanya was also an architect, balancing her professional career with her passion for singing. She built a loyal fan base on social media, amassing over 36.8K followers on Instagram and approximately 81K followers on Facebook, where she regularly shared her musical journey and creative projects.
Her sudden passing has left a void in Nigeria’s music community, with many remembering her as a bright talent whose promising future was tragically cut short.