Grief as the a 26-year-old aspiring singer suddenly passed away after a snakebite inside her apartment.
Her death has shocked fans, fellow musicians, and the wider creative community, where she was seen as a fast-rising talent with strong vocal range and cross-genre ability.
Ifunanya Nwangene gained public attention after appearing in the 2021 edition of a popular televised singing competition.
Videos shared online showed a snake handler removing a snake from her residence as onlookers reacted in alarm.
She built a reputation for blending jazz, opera, classical, and soul music, earning praise from judges and audiences for her versatility.
Beyond music, she was also trained as an architect and had plans to stage her first solo concert later this year.
Videos shared online showed a snake handler removing a snake from her residence as onlookers reacted in alarm.
Friends said she had been resting when the snake bit her and that two snakes were later found in the house. She was first taken to a nearby clinic before being transferred to a larger hospital for specialised care.
A close friend and choir director who worked with her described her as a rising star with strong discipline and commitment to music. He said she was responsive through gestures while receiving treatment but was in serious condition.
He also said efforts were made to look for additional medical supplies needed for treatment, but she later passed away at the hospital.
Another friend and fellow singer described her as intelligent, humble, and deeply talented, saying her loss has devastated those who knew and worked with her.
Members of her choir gathered at the hospital, hoping for her recovery.
The hospital involved released a statement rejecting claims that proper treatment was unavailable. Officials said medical staff acted quickly and provided emergency care, including antivenom and resuscitation measures.
According to the hospital, her condition worsened suddenly before she could be moved to intensive care, and attempts to save her were unsuccessful. The facility said its team followed correct medical procedures.
Her death has renewed public debate about healthcare readiness and patient safety, especially in emergency cases.
Health authorities have since acknowledged ongoing system challenges and announced the formation of a national task force focused on clinical governance and patient safety standards.
Health experts note that snakebites remain a serious but often overlooked public health issue in many tropical regions.
Global health data shows hundreds of thousands of people require treatment for venomous snakebites each year, with many cases happening in areas where access to advanced medical care is limited.
The incident has drawn attention because it occurred in a well-developed urban setting rather than a rural area, where such cases are more common.
