South African rapper Costa Titch, 27, dies after collapsing on stage in front of the crowd during a performance at Ultra Music Festival
- The 27-year-old rapper, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, collapsed on stage.
- He had been performing at the Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg on Saturday.
South African rapper Costa Titch has died after collapsing on stage in front of a horrified audience during his last song.
The 27-year-old, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, died in hospital after tripping and later appeared to lose consciousness while performing.
He had been playing for his fans at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg on Saturday March 11.
Harrowing footage, which MailOnline has chosen not to publish in its entirety, shows the artist stumbling through the crowd before getting up and finishing his song.
He then erupts to enthusiastic applause from the audience as his performance ends, with another man on stage telling fans to “raise your hands”.
The 27-year-old, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, died in hospital after tripping and later appeared to lose consciousness while performing.
But almost instantly after the cheers from the crowd erupted, he appears to wobble before collapsing to the ground.
The fans continue to cheer as shocked security personnel and crew members rush to their aid.
Costa’s family has now confirmed his death in a statement, in which he thanked his fans for their support.
“Death has tragically knocked on our door. Stealing our beloved son, brother and grandson,’ they said.
“It is with deep sorrow that we are forced to acknowledge his passing at this time.”
The family added: ‘As a family we are facing a difficult time as we try to make sense of what has happened to us and ask that we be given the time and space to come together.
“The Tsobanoglou family thanks you for the love and support you have given our son and continue to encourage him even in spirit.”
Costa originally started out as a backup dancer before launching his career as a rapper.
had been playing for fans at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg on Saturday March 11
Harrowing footage, which MailOnline has chosen not to publish in its entirety, shows the artist stumbling through the crowd before getting up and finishing his song.
A rising star of the South African music scene, Costa was an award-winning artist after entering the industry in 2020.
He had recently been signed to rapper Akon’s record label, Konvict Kulture, and He is known for his hits like Activate and Nkalakatha.
He was tipped to achieve greater acclaim as his signing meant he could reach more audiences around the world.
In a recent interview about it, he said: “After the success of my 2022 catalogue, we felt it was time to partner with a global entity so that we can continue to push the barriers on an international scale.”
Tributes have poured in since his death last night from fellow musicians, celebrities and a politician in South Africa.
The South African Music Rights Organization wrote on Twitter: “SAMRO is saddened by the passing of popular rapper Costa Tsobanoglou, better known as Costa Titch.
“Sincere condolences to his family, friends and the music industry in general.”
Rapper Da LES tweeted: ‘RIP Costa Titch. Great talent gone soon.
Julius Sello Malema, a member of parliament, shared the rapper’s name and an anguished emoji on Twitter.
