South African Rapper Costa Titch Dies At 27 During Performance
On Saturday night, South African rapper Costa Titch, real name Costa Tsobanoglou, fell and died while performing at the Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg. He was only 27 at the time.
Costa has a history of epilepsy, a disorder that affects the brain and produces seizures, according to individuals close to the artist. While the cause of death has yet to be determined, others speculate that the flashing lights caused a seizure.
costa titch collapsed on the stage during his performance and died. 😭🕊 #Ripcostatitch pic.twitter.com/LwKSNx8JCc
— billy🛌 (@billymiltons) March 11, 2023
Costa Titch was a rising figure in South African music, with a significant fan following because of his blend of hip-hop and amapiano sounds. His most popular hit tune, “Big Flexa,” has over 45 million YouTube views, and he just released a remix of the song with American musician Akon.
Costa Titch received a significant boost by Akon’s endorsement, and the two musicians even collaborated for a surprise performance at Cotton Fest. After his breakthrough, Costa inked a global agreement with Akon’s record company, Konvict Kulture, with the intention of bringing his career to the next level.
Costa Titch’s death has shaken South Africa’s music industry, which has already seen multiple catastrophes in recent months.
Rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, was tragically shot in Durban in mid-February, while singer Rikhado Makhado, commonly known as Riky Rick, was discovered dead in February 2022 from an apparent suicide. Costa was close to these late artists and worked with them on some of the biggest SA songs before their demise.
Costa Titch’s death is widely publicized on social media, with many individuals expressing their sorrow and sympathies. Others uploaded recordings of Costa Titch’s concerts and tributes to his ability, including EFF leader Julius Malema, who tweeted the late rapper’s name followed by broken heart emojis.
| User | Tweet |
| @L0rdJuic3 | @AfricanMoeskont Not drugs… stop talking kak 💩 For those who don’t know why Costa Titch “died suddenly” 💉 WATCH THE BELOW VID 👇 RIP Costa Titch 💐 Justice for Costa |
| @sabula_ug | Is Costa Titch dead, now joins AKA 😭 💔 RIP |
| @OleleSalvador | 🚨BREAKING🇿🇦🎶: 27 year old South African rapper and dancer, Costa Titch, has passed away. The rapper collapsed on stage during his performance at the Ultra South Africa festival, at Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg. He reportedly died after. 🕊️ |
| @nwanyebinladen | RIP Costa Titch |
| @billymiltons | costa titch collapsed on the stage during his performance and died. 😭🕊 #Ripcostatitch |
| @TheSabiRadio | BREAKING: Popular SA rapper, Costa Titch collapses and dies following a seizure episode on stage 💔 |
| @PhilMphela | RIP: Costa Titch Nelspruit-born artist and dancer, real name Costa Tsobanoglou, has passed away. He was 27. #RIPCostaTitch |
| @_sophi_sticated | This is a crazy beautiful video, AKA & Costa Titch #SuperSoft snapshots #RiPCostaTitch #RIPAKA #JusticeForAKA |
| @Layoyoz_Mayoyo | I hope we don’t see videos of Costa Titch collapsing on stage we haven’t recovered from kuleya ka AKA. Rest easy Qhawe 🕊️ |
| @SAHipHopTweets | As SA Hip Hop We have been robbed 💔💔. RIP Costa Titch 🕊🕊🕊 |
| @RealMrumaDrive | Legends are leaving us😭RIP Costa Titch💔 |
| @_kamohelotloti | There’s some sort of Cult happening ka SA MUSIC INDUSTRY🤞🏾. RIP Costa Titch 💚💚💚 |
| @arttherapy_au | What a time… Costa Titch 💔🕊️ |
| @RealMrumaDrive | Just like that Costa Titch and is no more 💔 |
| @clbrebrand | Someone said in South Africa when something happens ONCE, a chain of those same/similar events happens. Now they saying RIP Costa Titch |
| @Monyane__Lodge | RIP Costa Titch Another sad moment for South Africans mourning the loss of another talented artist 😭💔 |
| @Jabu_Macdonald | Seems like Junior De Rocker confirmed these news 💔 Costa Titch may have passed away 💔 |
| @____justsihle | nah gents what’s going on ka entertainment industry? Now Costa Titch? |
| @KingVeeSt | Reunited in Spirit Rest in peace Gents… Ricky Rick AKA and Costa Titch |
Costa Titch’s death is a shock to the South African music industry and music fans worldwide. His ability and potential were evident, and his untimely passing is a terrible reminder of life’s fragility.
Recognizing and appreciating Costa Titch’s effect on the industry is vital. He will be missed, but his music and impact will live on and inspire future generations of musicians.