Greek South African rapper Costa Titch, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, has died after collapsing while performing on stage in South Africa.
Footage on social media showed the 28-year-old appearing to stumble and fall to the ground during his set before being helped to his feet.
The rapper continued to perform and finished his track a few seconds later before falling for a second time.
The incident reportedly happened in front of fans at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday. He died later in hospital.
In an Instagram post, his family confirmed his death and thanked fans for their support.
Tributes paid for rapper Costa Titch
“Death has tragically knocked at our door. Robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson, Constantinos Tsobanoglou (28), who South Africa had come to love and idolise under his stage name “Costa Titch”, they said.
“It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time.”
The family added: “We are thankful for the emergency responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth.
“As a family we are faced with a difficult time as we try to make sense of what has befallen us and ask that we be afforded the time and space to gather ourselves.
“The Tsobanoglou family thanks you for the love and support you have given to our son and may you continue to uplift him even in spirit.”
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation wrote on Twitter: “SAMRO is saddened by the passing of popular rapper Costa Tsobanoglou, better known as Costa Titch.”
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. #RIPCostaTitch pic.twitter.com/qeXOcAxxFs
— SAMRO (@SAMROMusic) March 12, 2023
Costa Titch, whose songs include Big Flexa and Activate, started his career as a backing dancer before making the transition to rap.
In February, he announced on Instagram that he had partnered with fellow rapper Akon’s record label Konvict Kulture.
He was raised in a multi-cultural family by his Greek father and South African mother.
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