The African music industry is in mourning following the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old singer who rose to prominence through her performances on The Voice Nigeria. Nwangene died after being bitten by a cobra inside her home in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, sparking renewed concern over emergency healthcare capacity in the country.
According to accounts from family and close associates, Nwangene was asleep in her residence when she suddenly woke up in pain. It was later confirmed that she had been bitten by a cobra. A search of the house reportedly led to the discovery of two snakes hidden within the premises.
She was rushed to a nearby medical facility, but her family was informed that the hospital did not have antivenom available. She was then transferred to a larger hospital, where staff reportedly had only one of the two doses required to treat a cobra bite. Despite urgent efforts to stabilise her and move her to a better-equipped facility, she died before full treatment could be administered.
Reports, including those cited by international media, indicate that the lack of antivenom significantly worsened her condition. The incident has intensified public anger over shortages of essential medical supplies in urban hospitals, particularly during the rainy season when snake encounters are more common.
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and the wider African music community. Fellow artists and fans described Nwangene as a gifted vocalist with a commanding stage presence and a future filled with promise.
“She had so much ahead of her,” one musician wrote online. “Losing her this way is heartbreaking, and it raises serious questions about emergency care.”
Beyond the personal loss, Nwangene’s death has drawn attention to broader structural challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including the availability and distribution of life-saving antivenoms. Health advocates say her case highlights the urgent need for better preparedness in hospitals to respond to medical emergencies that can escalate rapidly.
