- Nigerian vocal coach Zitu Benafa mourns the loss of singer Ifunanya Nwangene, known as Nanyah Music.
- Nanyah Music passed away after being bitten by a snake at her home.
- She was taken to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive the incident.
Nigerian vocal coach Zitu Benafa has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of rising singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah Music, who reportedly died following a snake bite.
The talented young artist was said to have been bitten by a snake at her home and was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, she did not survive.
Benafa revealed that he had worked closely with Nanyah for several years, serving as her vocal coach since 2021.
He explained that their professional relationship began when Nanyah personally reached out to him for guidance.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the coach described Nanyah as not only exceptionally talented but also respectful and kind.
He wrote: “You reached out to me in 2021 asking me to be your voice coach. From that moment, I saw a great singer and musician, I saw a star! Beyond having an amazing voice, you were such a gentle lady with a reservoir of respect.”
Benafa also recounted how the late singer consistently showed care and approached their sessions with humility and joy.
He shared: “You’d say ‘maestro, how are you na’ ‘how’s your health’. Anytime I call for a performance, you always agree and are happy to make music. No wonder you were performing everywhere. You were generous with your gift.”
Shift From Pop Covers to Classical Music
The vocal coach further spoke about advising Nanyah to change her musical path, a decision that later proved successful.
He said: “I remember when I told you to leave pop music covers and focus on classical choral music where your shine lived. You came to me in 2024 telling me how a hymn post of yours got good traction. You said ‘you said it o’.”
He noted that she eventually gained significant recognition in the classical music scene.
According to Benafa, Nanyah’s growth in her craft was extraordinary as she rose to prominence within the classical music community.
He added: “I have watched you turn into something exceptional. You became the face of classical musicians in Nigeria.”
The coach also revealed that the singer had numerous plans for her music career in 2026 before her untimely death.
He lamented: “You had so many great plans for your musical career this 2026, not knowing that heaven needed your talent more than man.”
Benafa did not hide the emotional impact the news had on him, describing the night he learned of her passing as unbearable.
He wrote: “It is with deep pain that I write this message. I had the most horrible and horrific night and I am yet to recover. Every While this is very difficult to believe and accept, I am hopeful that you’ll find a place in God’s kingdom. Rest in peace, Ifunanya.”
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