South African rapper Costa Titch has died after collapsing on stage, his family has confirmed.
A rising star of South African hip-hop, Titch had been tipped for big success around the world in the near future, until his tragic death at the age of just 28.
Titch, real name Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was on stage at the time of his death, with social media footage - which we’re not going to show here - capturing the moment that he seemed to trip over and fall down during the set, before being assisted to get up.
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He carried on performing, managing to finish the track before falling over a second time.
This all took place at the Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg’s Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday (11 March).
He died later at a hospital in the city, though his cause of death has not yet been released.
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In a statement on Instagram, his family confirmed: “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 idolise under his stage name ‘Costa Titch’.
"It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time."
The statement continued: “We are thankful for the emergency responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth.
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"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 Tsobanoglou family thanks you for the love and support you have given to our son and may you continue to uplift him even in spirit."
Tributes have been paid from around the world of music, with British dance act Clean bandit paying respects on the post confirming his death.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse - who is from South Africa - also commented: “Rest in peace.”
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The South African Music Rights Organisation also sent condolences to Titch’s family, releasing a statement that said: “SAMRO is saddened by the passing of popular rapper Costa Tsobanoglou, better known as Costa Titch.
"Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and broader music industry."
Just last month, Titch had signed a partnership with Akon’s Konvict Kulture record label, with aims at progressing his career.
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Known for his songs ‘Big Flexa’ and ‘Activate’ Titch started out as a backing dancer but quickly made the move to the centre of the stage.
Announcing his partnership, he had said: “After the success of my 2022 catalogue, we felt it was time to partner with a global entity so we can continue to push the barriers on an international scale.”
Topics: Music, World News, Celebrity, Entertainment
Tom Wood