Friend Shares Emotional Account of Seeing Late Singer Ifunanya Nwangene's Body
A close friend of the late gospel singer Ifunanya Nwangene has shared a poignant and detailed account of his final moments with the deceased artist, including a rare glimpse inside the ambulance that carried her lifeless body. The friend, identified as Anyi BelCanto, revealed these emotional details while recounting his relationship with the singer and the tragic circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
The Tragic News and Immediate Response
Anyi BelCanto explained that he received the devastating news about Ifunanya's death from his friend Michael Omogbai, who served as his production manager. The call came at a particularly unexpected moment, as BelCanto was actively planning his Valentine concert scheduled for February 15, 2026, with Ifunanya slated to perform as part of the event.
"I received a call from my good friend, Michael Omogbai. 'Ifunnaya is dead!' This was not the call I was expecting from Michael," BelCanto shared. He had been anticipating news about Ifunanya's availability for his concert, making the tragic announcement even more shocking and difficult to process.
Their Professional Relationship and Personal Connection
The friend detailed how he first met Ifunanya in person after an Opera Abuja concert in November of the previous year. They had spent an entire evening together with mutual friends, including Michael Omogbai, Maestro Ayo Ajayi, Pascal, Matt, and other colleagues from the classical music community. That memorable night left BelCanto inspired to collaborate with Ifunanya on future projects throughout 2026 and beyond.
Despite scheduling conflicts that initially prevented Ifunanya from performing at his Valentine concert, she made remarkable efforts to accommodate the performance, even sending voice notes to persuade BelCanto to adjust the date. Her enthusiasm and professionalism made her sudden death even more heartbreaking for those who knew her.
The Final Journey and Last Glimpse
Upon hearing the tragic news, BelCanto immediately rushed to the hospital mortuary where he found numerous members of Abuja's classical music community gathered in mourning. The scene was particularly difficult as everyone struggled to comprehend how such a promising talent could be lost in such tragic circumstances.
BelCanto followed the ambulance that transported Ifunanya's body from FMC Jabi to her Catholic church in Lugbe for prayers before her final journey to the East for burial. During the prayer session, he decided to take one final look through the ambulance window.
"Ifunnaya was in her lashes and makeup, beautifully covered in her regal appearance. Even in death, like Cleopatra and Sheba, she still looked like a queen. She left the stage the same way she lived, like a queen," BelCanto emotionally recounted, describing the singer's dignified appearance in her final moments.
Community Reactions and Tributes
The revelation sparked emotional responses from friends and colleagues who shared their condolences and memories of the late singer. Michael expressed the collective grief, noting how Ifunanya's death serves as a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability and our tendency to make future plans without certainty of participation.
Other friends, including Elder Nweke and Emma, shared their personal connections to Ifunanya and offered prayers for her soul and strength for her grieving family and friends. The classical music community in Abuja has been particularly affected by this loss, with many expressing shock at the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death from a snake bite at her Abuja apartment.
Broader Context and Ongoing Discussions
This personal account comes amid broader discussions about Ifunanya Nwangene's death, with some calling for further investigation into the circumstances. A Nigerian lawyer has recently called for a police probe, expressing skepticism about the official narrative of death by snake bite alone and requesting examination of various factors including neighbors, personal conflicts, and specific social media accounts.
The emotional sharing by BelCanto provides a deeply personal perspective on the tragedy, highlighting not just the circumstances of Ifunanya's death but also her vibrant personality, professional dedication, and the profound impact she had on those around her. His detailed recollection serves as both a tribute to the singer's memory and a cathartic expression of grief for a friend lost too soon.
