The Voice Contestant Dies at 26 After Being Bitten by Snake in Her Sleep
A former contestant from The Voice Nigeria, Ifunanya Nwangene, has died at age 26 after a reported snake bite that happened while she was asleep. News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from people who worked with her in music and remembered her as a rising talent with big plans.
What happened to Ifunanya Nwangene?
Reports say Nwangene was sleeping when the snake bite woke her up at her home in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. A friend and choir colleague, Hillary Obinna, described the incident to BBC Africa in accounts later cited by multiple outlets. The same reports said two snakes were later found in her home, and social media footage showed a snake handler removing one from the residence.
After the bite, she initially sought care at a nearby clinic, but reports said antivenom was not available there, so she went on to a hospital for further treatment. She later died in hospital on Jan. 31, 2026, according to a public statement shared by a music director connected to her choir. Coverage identified the hospital as Federal Medical Centre, Jabi.
Conflicting claims about antivenom
One account from a collaborator, Sam Ezugwu, said the hospital had one of the required antivenoms but not another, and that efforts were made to locate additional medication. However, the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, disputed claims that antivenom was unavailable and said staff provided immediate treatment, including polyvalent snake antivenom, resuscitation efforts, oxygen, and intravenous fluids. The hospital statement added that her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to intensive care, and medical staff were unable to revive her.
Who was Ifunanya Nwangene?
Nwangene was known publicly for appearing on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, where she gained attention after a blind audition performance that turned coaches’ chairs. Outside of music, she also worked professionally as an architect, according to reports. People who collaborated with her described her voice as both technically strong and emotionally expressive, and said she was actively working on new material shortly before her death.
Nigerian musician Tbrass, who had recently recorded with her, posted a tribute and said she had been in his studio just days earlier. In one tribute quoted in coverage, he called her death a major loss for Abuja’s music community and for Nigeria more broadly.
Broader safety reminder
Snake bites can be medical emergencies, and outcomes often depend on how quickly a person can reach appropriate treatment. Seeking urgent medical care immediately after any suspected bite is the safest choice.
FAQs & keywords
Was she on The Voice U.S.? No—reports identify her as a contestant on The Voice Nigeria.
How old was she? Multiple outlets reported she was 26.
Where did it happen? Reports place the incident at her home in Abuja, Nigeria.
