Rapper Costa Titch tragically dies after collapsing on stage at music festival

Fans are mourning the death of South African rapper Costa Titch after he passed away suddenly following a performance at the Ultra Music Festival.

Rapper Costa Titch has died, aged 27. Picture: Instagram/@costatitch

A rapper has died after collapsing on stage in the middle of his set in front of a horrified audience.

South African rapper Constantinos Tsobanoglou, who goes by the stage name Costa Titch, died in hospital after appearing to lose consciousness in the middle of his set at the Ultra Music Festival. He was 27.

The performer originally started as a backup dancer before launching his own career as a rapper, The Sun reports.

Rapper Costa Titch has died, aged 27. Picture: Instagram/@costatitch

He was an award-winning performer after breaking into the industry in 2020.

Costa Titch had recently signed to rapper Akon’s record label Konvict Kulture.

He is known for his hits including Activate and Nkalakatha.

Tributes are now flowing for the rising star, who dreamt of finding international success.

Footage – which news.com.au has chosen not to publish – from his set at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg shows him appearing to stumble during a track.

He then finishes the song and stands before adoring crowd, before collapsing to the ground.

Security guards and his crew rush to help him before the video clip ends.

Police have said an autopsy is set to be performed to establish the cause of his death.

His family confirmed in a statement on social media that he later died and thanked his fans for their support.

“Death has tragically knocked at our door, robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson,” they said.

“It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time.”

Costa Titch was performing at the Ultra Music Festival when he suddenly collapsed on stage. Picture: Instagram/@costatitch

The family added: “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.”

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) wrote on Twitter: “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.”

Rapper Da L. E. S tweeted: “RIP, Costa Titch. Great talent gone to soon.”

In a recent interview, the rapper talked excitedly about his future after singing for Konvict Kulture.

He 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.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Rapper Costa Titch tragically dies after collapsing on stage at music festival