Costa Titch dead: South African rapper dies aged 28 after collapsing on stage

Rapper Costa Titch has died aged 28 after “collapsing on stage” at a music festival.

The South African musician – full name Costa Tsobanoglou – performed as part of the Ultra South Africa Festival at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg on Saturday (11 March).

Tsobanoglou reportedly collapsed on stage while performing, and his family confirmed on Instagram that he died soon after.

“Death tragically knocked on our door, depriving us of our beloved son, brother and grandson, Constantinos Tsobanoglou, whom South Africa had come to love and adore under his stage name Costa Titch,” the statement said.

“It is with deep pain that we acknowledge his death at this time.”

They continued: “We are grateful for the responders and everyone present in his last hours on this earth. As a family, we face a difficult time as we try to understand what has happened to us and ask that we be given time and space to collect ourselves.

“The Tsobanoglou family thanks you for the love and support you have shown our son and may you continue to uplift him, also in spirit.”

No cause of death was given.

Born in Nelspruit, Tsobanoglou started his career as a backup dancer before turning to rap.

Performing in the popular Amapiano style, he was known for incorporating traditional South African culture with trap beats.

His most popular song was the single “Big Flexa” which went viral on TikTok in 2021. A remix of the song featuring musician Akon was later released.

Ultra South Africa was managed by Adam Beyer, Alesso, Fisher, Oliver Heldens and Timmy.