India, Feb. 2 -- A The Voice Nigeria contestant died of a horrifying snake bite on January 31. Ifunanya Nwangene died aged 26 just five years after appearing on The Voice Nigeria, Amemuso Choir music director Sam C. Ezugwu confirmed.

"Amemuso Choir regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved Soprano, Ifunaya Nwangene," they wrote on their Facebook page. "A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed."

Hillary Obinna, a fellow singer and a friend of Nwangene's, told the BBC Africa that Nwangene was at her home in Abuja, Nigeria when a "snake bite woke her up."

Two snakes were later found inside her home, Obinna said. However, it is unclear what...