Rapper Costa Titch dies after collapsing on stage
South African rapper Costa Titch has died after collapsing on stage during a music festival hours earlier.
Titch, 28, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was performing at the festival when he fell. He was helped to his feet before collapsing again, according to reports.
Footage of the incident began circulating on social media before his death was confirmed by his family on Instagram.
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South African rapper Costa Titch has died after collapsing on stage. Gallo Images via Getty Images
"It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time," Tsobanoglou's family said in a post on his Instagram. "We are thankful for those emergency responders and all those present in his last hours."
A cause of death has not been shared.
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The rapper had collapsed on stage just hours earlier. Gallo Images via Getty Images
A statement released by Ultra South Africa, where the rapper was performing before his death, released the following statement: "Costa was a galvanizing voice amongst South Africa's amapiano scene – a talented rapper, dancer, singer, songwriter, collaborator and friend to the festival."
The rapper was building a loyal following in South Africa and around the world at the time of his death, his style described as deep house, log-drum driven basslines and soulful piano melodies.
His cause of death is yet to be shared. Gallo Images via Getty Images
His rap style combined his native South Africa culture, style and indigenous languages with international flavours such as trap music which originated in Atlanta's hip hop scene in the US.
Tsobanoglou, who was born in Nelspruit in northeastern South Africa, started his career in dance before becoming a rapper and DJ.
His biggest hit to date was 'Big Flexa' which shot him to fame across Africa and on TikTok.
He had recently partnered with musician Akon who featured in a remix of 'Big Flexa.'
Just a month ago Tsobanoglou's friend AKA was killed in a shooting. He was reportedly gunned down outside a nightclub in Durban, South Africa on Friday night local time.
The rapper, also known as SupaMega, was on his way to celebrate his belated 35th at a nightclub, which is when he was reportedly shot dead as he stood on the pavement of Florida Road, a popular entertainment strip.
According to the BBC, the motive of the shooting is being investigated.
