Zitu Benafa, a Nigerian vocal instructor, has expressed sorrow over the unexpected passing of Ifunanya Nwangene, better known by her stage name Nanyah Music, a rapidly developing singer who apparently succumbed to a snake bite.
The little performer was reportedly bitten by a snake inside her home. She was taken to the hospital, but regrettably, she did not make it.
Zitu Benafa revealed that he had worked closely with Nanyah for several years, claiming that he had been her vocal coach since 2021.
He claims that she personally contacted him for instruction, which marked the beginning of their adventure together.
Benafa expressed her admiration for Nanyah’s ability as well as her kindness and respect in a moving Facebook post.
Read what he wrote below:
“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.”
The vocal instructor remembered how the late singer approached their sessions with pleasure and humility and always showed compassion for him.
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
Benafa also commented about persuading Nanyah to shift her artistic approach, a move that later paid dividends.
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 stated that she finally became internationally renowned in that field.
According to the instructor, Nanyah’s growth was amazing, as she came to popularity within the classical music world.
He noted: “I have watched you turn into something exceptional. You became the face of classical musicians in Nigeria.”
Before her untimely demise in 2026, Benafa disclosed that the singer had a number of aspirations for her musical career.
He lamented: “You had so many great plans for your musical career this 2026, not knowing that heaven needed your talent more than man.”
The vocal instructor did not hide the emotional toll the news placed on him, describing the night he heard of her death as awful.
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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