The Abuja music community is in shock following the tragic death of soprano singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, after a snake bite led to severe complications. Her sudden passing has left friends, colleagues, and fans grappling with disbelief.
Her death was confirmed by the Amemuso Choir in a statement signed by Music Director Sam Ezugwu. Among those devastated by her loss was her close friend and fellow musician, Paschal Tenor, who shared an emotional tribute to Nwangene on social media, recounting their seven-year-long friendship and her final moments.
“I never imagined I would lose you after seven years,” Paschal wrote. “From last year, I kept talking about our seventh-year anniversary. It feels surreal.”
Paschal recalled meeting Nwangene on January 27, 2019, during auditions for Hymnodia Season One in Ikeja, Lagos. Their bond was instant and unbreakable. “We met on the second day of the auditions and connected magically from the very start,” he said.
He also described how he encouraged her to move to Abuja for her National Youth Service Corps programme in 2020, rather than relocate to Port Harcourt, believing it would help her music career flourish. “I assured you that with your raw talent and a little push, you would become one of the most sought-after soprano and crossover singers—and it all came true,” he said.
Paschal highlighted Nwangene’s shift in 2024 toward sacred music as a pivotal moment in her career. “You told me you wanted to draw closer to God, and I encouraged you to let that reflect in your music. From the first sacred song you shared, everything changed,” he said.
He also recounted how she regularly sent him videos for review, and how quickly her talent gained recognition. “You gained fans so fast that you eventually quit your job as an architect after asking my advice,” he said.
The final moments were especially heart-wrenching. Paschal described holding Nwangene as she struggled for breath. “I begged God to bring you back. I prayed the Hail Mary over and over. I begged you to move, but you didn’t. The doctors tried everything, but you passed away in my arms after seven years and four days of knowing you. I have never felt so helpless in my life,” he wrote.
He found solace in the belief that she lived a life of impact. “My consolation is knowing you’re in a better place. You lived a life of meaning. There will never be another Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene,” he added.
The Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, responded to circulating allegations of negligence, confirming that all necessary measures were taken to save Nwangene’s life. In a statement, the hospital said she received immediate treatment, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and polyvalent snake antivenom. The statement explained that she suffered severe neurotoxic complications and deteriorated rapidly while being prepared for transfer to the Intensive Care Unit. Claims that anti-snake venom was unavailable were dismissed as false.
The Amemuso Choir described Nwangene’s death as a significant loss to Abuja’s music scene, noting that she was a rising talent on the brink of wider recognition. Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.
