Stars we lost in 2023: rapper Costa Titch, 28

Thanks to the people who tried to save him

South African rapper dies at age 28

In one of the saddest and strangest showbiz incidents in 2023, South African rapper Costa Titch lost his life at the young age of 28.

It happened on stage

The man whose real name is Constantinos Tsobanoglou died in the hospital after he collapsed in the middle of a concert.

Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg

The events took place on Saturday, March 11, at the Ultra Music Festival, held on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Before the collapse, Costa Titch showed no signs of weakness or illness.

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Two consecutive falls

In the middle of the performance, Costa Titch collapsed but, helped by an artist next to him, he managed to stand up. The rapper even continued to sing and finished the track.

Clear that it was serious

Seconds later, the rapper collapsed again, and this time he was unable to get up. The seriousness of the situation was evident from the quick reaction of his companions.

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Nothing could be done at the hospital

The rapper was transferred to a hospital immediately but could not be saved. Costa Titch would die in the hospital.

The video of the collapse went viral

As the Ultra Music Festival is quite well-known, the images of the moment in which Costa Titch collapsed on stage were recorded by many attendees. It didn't take long for the video to go viral on social media.

Official confirmation

The rapper's own family, together with the organization of the Ultra Music Festival, confirmed the tragic death through a statement on social media.

Photo: @UltraSA / Twitter

Family statement

"Death has tragically knocked at our door. Robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson," the family's statement began.

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

An idol in South Africa

"Constantinos Tsobanoglou (28), whom South Africa had come to love and idolize, under his stage name, Costa Titch. It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time," the family states.

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Thanks to the people who tried to save him

Despite the difficulty of the moment, the family gave special attention to the people close to the rapper who did everything possible to keep him alive. His fans applauded the response of Costa Titch' family.

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Thanks to the emergency services

"We are thankful for the emergency services responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth," said the Tsobanoglou family.

"Time and space"

The family says it's facing "a difficult time, as we try to make sense of what has befallen us and we ask that we be afforded the time and space to gather ourselves."

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Heartbroken but grateful

The Tsobanoglou relatives thank "the love and support you have given to our son... May you continue to uplift him even in spirit. Please keep us in your prayers."

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Many famous friends

Below the Instagram post, there are farewells of well-known musicians such as King Vader, Ruby Rose, and Clean Bandit.

Photo: @costatitch / Instagram

Mystery surrounds the cause of death

The cause of death has not been disclosed, even though the rapper's mother asked the police and medical examiners multiple times to investigate it.