“I saw a star from day one” – Nanyah’s vocal coach reacts to her sudden death

A Nigerian vocal coach, Zitu Benafa, has expressed sadness over the sudden death of fast-rising singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah Music, who reportedly died after a snake bite.

The young singer was said to have been bitten by a snake inside her residence and was rushed to the hospital, but sadly did not survive.

Coach Confirms Longstanding Relationship With Late Singer

Zitu Benafa revealed that he had worked closely with Nanyah for several years, stating that he had been her vocal coach since 2021.

According to him, their journey together began when she personally reached out to him for training.

 “I Saw a Star From the Beginning” — Benafa

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Benafa described Nanyah as not just 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.”

How Nanyah Treated Her Coach During Sessions

The vocal coach recalled how the late singer always showed concern for him 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

Benafa also spoke about advising Nanyah to change her musical direction, a move that later paid off.

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 added that she eventually became widely recognised in that space.

“You Became the Face of Classical Musicians in Nigeria”

According to the coach, Nanyah’s growth was remarkable, as she rose to prominence within the classical music community.

He noted: “I have watched you turn into something exceptional. You became the face of classical musicians in Nigeria.”

Big Plans for 2026 Cut Short

Benafa revealed that the singer had several plans lined up for her music career in 2026 before her sudden 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.”

Coach Describes Painful Night After Her Death

The vocal coach did not hide the emotional toll the news took on him, describing the night he heard about her death 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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