Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old participant in Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, tragically died on January 31, after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in her apartment in Abuja, Nigeria.
After the snake bite, Nwangene immediately sought medical assistance at a nearby clinic. Unfortunately, the clinic did not have the necessary antivenom, and she was subsequently transported to the Federal Medical Centre Jabi for urgent care.
At the hospital, the medical team was attempting to stabilize Nwangene when Sam C. Ezugwu, the music director of the Amemuso Choir where she performed as a soprano, arrived. “While they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak, but she could make hand gestures. She was struggling to breathe,” Ezugwu said.
The hospital had one type of essential antivenom, but lacked the second type required for her treatment. Ezugwu left the hospital to find the missing dose, but Nwangene unfortunately died before he could return with the medication.
The Federal Medical Centre Jabi, however, denied the claims of antivenom shortage, stating, “Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”
In the wake of public outcry over Nwangene’s death, the Nigerian Senate on February 3 urged the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure the procurement, quality assurance, and nationwide distribution of safe and effective antivenoms in all hospitals across the country. Priority should be given to regions with high snakebite risks, said the motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule. The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honor of Nwangene.
Following the tragic incident, animal control officers were called to Nwangene’s apartment. They removed two snakes, one of which was identified as a cobra.
Hillary Obinna, a fellow choir member and friend of Nwangene, confirmed that a snake bite had awakened her, triggering the unfortunate sequence of events that led to her death.
Nwangene gained national recognition when she participated in The Voice Nigeria in 2021. Her performance of Rihanna’s Take a Bow during the audition impressed two of the judges.
She chose to join the team mentored by Waje, a renowned Nigerian singer. Nwangene advanced through several rounds before being eliminated during the Knockouts round.
Known for her jazz-operatic vocal style, Nwangene, who also went by NANYAH on YouTube, also pursued a career in architecture while nurturing her musical talents.
Prior to her untimely death, Nwangene was actively working on new music projects. She had hinted at an impending collaboration with Nigerian musician Tbrass and was planning her first solo concert.
Tbrass mourned Nwangene’s death in a social media tribute on January 31, calling it an irreplaceable loss to the Abuja music community and Nigeria in general.
In a Facebook post, the Amemuso Choir announced Nwangene’s death, describing her as a rising star on the verge of sharing her exceptional talent with the world.
Snakebites are a major public health concern in Nigeria and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization estimates that snake bites cause between 81,000 and 138,000 deaths each year worldwide, with a significant number occurring in rural and impoverished regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Nigeria alone witnesses an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 snakebite cases each year, resulting in about 2,000 deaths, according to health ministry data.
Native Nigerian cobras possess neurotoxic venom that can lead to respiratory failure. Medical experts stress the crucial need for immediate antivenom administration, as venom effects progress quickly. While snakebites are more common in rural areas, venomous snakes sometimes enter urban residences in cities like Abuja.
The demise of Nwangene, whose career was on the rise, has been mourned by the entertainment industry in Nigeria and beyond.
Nwangene’s dual career as an architect and singer showcased her versatility and dedication.
Details about Nwangene’s funeral arrangements will be shared through the official Facebook account of the Amemuso Choir, where she showcased her soprano talents.