South African rapper Costa Titch has passed away at the age of 28 after collapsing onstage during the Ultra South Africa music festival in Johannesburg.
His family confirmed the news on his Instagram account, stating that "Death has tragically knocked at our door. Robbing us of our beloved son, brother, and grandson.” Costa Titch, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was a rising star in the South African amapiano scene and was signed to Akon’s Konvict Kulture label. He collaborated with Akon on the single "Big Flexa" from his 2022 album, "Mr Big Flexa". Titch won best collaboration and best remix at the 2020 South African Hip Hop Awards for his song "Nkalakatha," featuring Riky Rick and Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was shot and killed outside a restaurant in South Africa in early February.
The tragic passing of Costa Titch comes as a shock to the South African music industry and his fans. The cause of death has not been confirmed. Titch was a multi-talented artist who was loved and idolized by many for his contribution to the amapiano genre.
Ultra South Africa music festival organisers also released a statement, stating that "Costa was a galvanizing voice amongst South Africa’s amapiano scene — a talented rapper, dancer, singer, songwriter, collaborator and friend to the festival." The passing of Titch highlights the fragility of life and the impact that talented artists can have on their fans and the music industry as a whole.