The tragic passing of fast-rising singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, reached its final chapter yesterday, February 14, 2026, as she was laid to rest in her hometown.

The 26-year-old artist, who gained national fame as a contestant on The Voice Nigeria (Season 3), died on January 31 after being bitten by a cobra in her residence in Lugbe, Abuja.

Interment: She was buried on Valentine’s Day at her family compound in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Atmosphere: The ceremony was deeply emotional, attended by family, friends, and members of the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO) Choir, where she was a leading soprano.

Final Rites: Her burial followed a service of songs held earlier in Lagos and a wake-keep in Enugu. A thanksgiving service is scheduled for today, February 15.

The circumstances surrounding her death have sparked a national conversation regarding medical emergency response:

​The Bite: Ifunanya was bitten on her wrist while asleep at approximately 8:30 AM.

Medical Struggle: She was reportedly rushed to multiple facilities. While her family and friends expressed concerns over the availability of anti-venom, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja, issued a statement clarifying that they administered polyvalent antivenom but that she suffered “severe neurotoxic complications” that proved fatal.

Aftermath: Following the incident, snake handlers reportedly found two snakes—including a medium-sized cobra—within her apartment.

Legacy of the “Soprano Queen”​Nanyah was celebrated for her versatile voice, blending opera, jazz, and soul. Before her untimely death, she was an architect by training and was preparing for her first solo concert later this year. Her choir described her as a “rising star on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world.”