South African rapper, Costa Titch, suddenly died this weekend. This after unverified videos online showed him collapsing twice while onstage at a music festival. Tributes are still pouring in for the artist whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou.
The Big Flexa hitmaker died while performing at the Ulta music festival in Johannesburg. He is know for his other hits like Activate and Nkalakatha.
His family posted a public statement on Instagram, confirming the death of Costa Titch:
It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time…We are thankful for those emergency responders and all those present in his last hours
The statement did not mention a cause of death. The organisers of the Ulta festival said they are devastated by the rapper’s death:
Costa was a galvanizing voice amongst South Africa’s amapiano scene – a talented rapper, dancer, singer, songwriter, collaborator and friend to the festival
Tsobanoglou was only 27-years-old. His death comes just one month after fellow rapper Kiernan AKA Forbes was fatally shot in Durban.
READ MORE: Rapper AKA shot dead in Durban
Videos on social media show how the young rapper slumped forward while performing. In one, an unidentified man onstage catches him and steadies him up. The rapper then continued his performance. But a few seconds later, he collapsed again. Fans and fellow artists took to social media to express their sadness over the news of the rapper’s death.
Just as I was about to sleep and I see this yho😭😭😭😣#costatich #sa #costatichdeath — Lerato Shekinah (@lerato_shekinah)
Just as I was about to sleep and I see this yho😭😭😭😣#costatich #sa #costatichdeath pic.twitter.com/7cUmfPQ31R
— Lerato Shekinah (@lerato_shekinah) March 11, 2023
Costa tich💔we just buried “AKA” — ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Cde Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile)
Costa tich💔we just buried “AKA”
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Cde Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) March 12, 2023
Death, please stop. — BRAGGA (@Nadia_nakai)
Death, please stop.
— BRAGGA (@Nadia_nakai) March 12, 2023
The Southern African Music Rights Organization, the copyright group that represents artists in South Africa shared its condolences to its Twitter page:
SAMRO is saddened by the passing of popular rapper Costa Tsobanoglou, better known as Costa Titch. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and broader music industry.
Tsobanoglou was a growing sensation in the country and one of the stars of local amapiano. His rap style combined numerous South African styles and indigenous languages along with international flare from rap sub-genres like trap music.
READ MORE: Riky Rick, remembering the rapper one year later
Costa Titch was born in Nelspruit and found success in a career in dance before becoming a rapper.
