South African rapper Costa Titch died suddenly lost consciousness and was pronounced dead this weekend by his family. The news was first spread on Instagram, hours after the star had performed at a music festival.
How Did Costa Titch Die?
Constantinos Tsobanoglou, popularly known as Costa Titch, died at 28 years old after falling over on stage before being lifted up by someone beside him. In the circulated video, the star tries to get up for several seconds before apparently collapsing. Unfortunately, the family members have withheld the cause of his death. “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.”
Revellers who attended Ultra South Africa, where he performed said they were “devastated” by the young 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,” the Ultra South Africa statement read.
Who Was Costa Titch?
Tsobanoglou was born in Nelspruit in northeastern South Africa and had already had a successful career in dance before becoming a rapper. Tsobanoglou’s song “Big Flexa” made him a star across Africa after it became successful on TikTok. The rapper had recently partnered with a music label started by Senegalese-American musician Akon, who features on a remix of “Big Flexa.”
What South Africa Has Lost
Tsobanoglou was a growing sensation in South Africa and one of the biggest stars of Amapiano. Amapiano is a style of music comprising deep house, log-drum-driven basslines and soulful piano melodies. His rap style combines South Africa’s culture, fashion and indigenous languages. These collage with international rap sub-genres like trap music, which originated in Atlanta’s thriving hip-hop scene. In 2022, the musician travelled several places and wound up with a concert in Uganda. May his soul rest in peace!
