Rotary Club, British Council Hold Evening of Music in Honour of Late Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Today

The Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance, in collaboration with the British Council, will today, Tuesday, October 27, 2026, host an evening of music in Abuja in honour of late Nigerian singer, Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, to commemorate what would have been her 27th birthday.

The event, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the British Council Courtyard, Maitama, Abuja, will bring together music lovers, friends, family members and well-wishers to celebrate the life and musical legacy of the talented singer, whose sudden death earlier this year attracted widespread public attention.

According to the organisers, the commemorative gathering will also feature the first public mention of the Nanya Music Foundation, an initiative intended to preserve her memory.

The programme is being organised as part of a disease prevention initiative of the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance, giving the musical tribute an additional public health significance.

Nanyah died on January 31, 2026, following complications from a snakebite at her Abuja residence. Her death generated global reactions, including renewed conversations about emergency healthcare, access to lifesaving antivenom and Nigeria's preparedness to respond to snakebite emergencies.

The Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, where she was treated, subsequently attributed her death to severe neurotoxic complications from the bite. The hospital maintained that its medical team administered emergency treatment, including antivenom, but could not save her life. 

Before her death, Nanyah was regarded as one of Abuja's promising musical talents, admired for her distinctive soprano voice and ability to perform across different genres, including classical music, opera, jazz and soul.

She gained wider recognition following her appearance in the third season of The Voice Nigeria in 2021 and was a member of the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO) Choir.

Her musical journey was gathering momentum, with plans for new releases and a solo concert before her untimely passing.

Her death was particularly painful for members of Abuja's creative community, who described her as a gifted performer whose talent and passion for music had inspired many.

Speaking on behalf of Friends of Nanya and the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance, Amobi Ogum stressed that this was an opportunity for fans, friends, and family to gather not in grief, but in celebration of a remarkable life of service. Giving the Rotary edge to it, he mentioned that awareness and advocacy about snake bites should be sustained to ensure another life is not lost in this manner.

Beyond celebrating her musical achievements, today's event provides another opportunity to draw attention to the public health concerns raised by her death