South African rapper Costa Titch dies after collapsing during concert; watch video

South African rapper Costa Titch died this weekend hours after performing at a music festival. The musician, whose real name is Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was 28 years old.

Footage circulating on social media appears to show Costa Titch falling onto the stage before being picked up by someone beside him. The singer then stands for several seconds before seemingly passing out.

Watch the video where he falls on stage:

Video of #costatitch fainting on stage #ripcostatitch 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/CEqLYID3uS

— Karma Bae official (@KarmaBaeoffici2) March 11, 2023

“It is with deep pain that we have to acknowledge his passing at this time,” the artist’s family said in a post on his Instagram. “We are grateful to the first responders and everyone present in their final hours.” The statement did not mention the cause of death.

The festival where he performed, Ultra South Africa, said it was “devastated” by the young rapper’s death.

“Costa was a stirring voice in South Africa’s Amapian scene – an accomplished rapper, dancer, singer, songwriter, collaborator and friend of the festival,” the statement reads.

Tsobanoglou was a rising sensation in South Africa and one of the biggest stars of amapiano, a style of music characterized by deep house, drum-driven basslines and soulful piano melodies. His rap style combines the indigenous culture, style and languages ​​of South Africa with international rap subgenres such as trap music, which originated in Atlanta’s thriving hip hop scene.

Costa Titch was born in Nelspruit, in northeastern South Africa, and already had a successful dance career before becoming a rapper.

Tsobanoglou’s song “Big Flexa” made him a star across Africa after it became a hit on TikTok. The rapper recently partnered with a label founded by Senegalese-American musician Akon, who was featured on a remix of “Big Flexa.”