A popular 28-year-old South African rapper has died after collapsing while performing on stage last night. According to CNN, Costa Titch, whose real name is Constantinos Tsobanoglou, had taken to the stage at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday, and midway through his set, videos of the incident posted to social media show Titch appearing to stumble and fall to the floor as his concerned crew rushes over to help him.
Titch already appeared to have lost his balance at one part of the performance but was helped back onto his feet by somebody on stage with him. And while he was clearly determined to keep the show going, within seconds, the rapper collapses straight to the ground as concerned fans look on in horror. Reactions from those who attended the concert said on Twitter that they initially thought Titch had passed out from dehydration, but the news that would follow in an announcement shared by his family was sure to leave his fans in complete disbelief.
Video of #costatitch fainting on stage #ripcostatitch
pic.twitter.com/CEqLYID3uS
— Karma Bae official (@KarmaBaeoffici2) March 11, 2023
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The show was halted as Titch was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died, it was confirmed in a statement shared on the rapper’s social media. “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 idolize under his stage name ‘Costa Titch,’” the family wrote. “It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time.
“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 family has not yet disclosed a caused of death.
Titch’s death comes just one month after it was revealed he had inked a global deal with Akon’s record label, Konvict Kulture after the pair dropped the remix to his viral hit, “Big Flexa.” The track gained a lot of attention after being widely shared on TikTok, with people creating their own challenges to the song.
In a recent interview, Titch, who personally decided to remain an independent artist throughout his rising music career, explained why the partnership with Akon convinced him to sign a record deal, saying he wants his music to have a reach beyond South Africa.
View this post on Instagram
| (@costatitch)
Rest in peach Ricky Rick, AKA and Costa Titch
— Rumani® (@RealMrumaDrive) March 11, 2023
And while TikTok has given him plenty of exposure these last few months, it only made sense to team up with Akon in hopes of taking his rap career to the next level. “I’ve always wanted to remain independent and instead of signing to a major label, I’ve always wanted to partner with one,” he shared.
“After the success of my 2022 catalog we felt it was time to partner with a global entity so we can continue to push the barriers on an international scale. So once the opportunity was presented by Konvict, we knew it was meant to be. I think it also goes to show that when you set your mind to something it can really come to life.”
The post South African Rapper Costa Titch Dies Aged 28 After Collapsing On Stage appeared first on Hollywood Unlocked .