Prominent South African rapper and dancer Costa Titch died last night after collapsing twice mid-way performance at Ultra music concert at Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg, South Africa. The music star who fused Hip Hop and Amapiano styles rose to fame in 2000 after dropping a remake of the late Mandoza’s Nklalakatha. The artist reportedly had a history of epilepsy. The family of the artist is yet to issue a statement. 

By Plot Mhako, Zimbabwe

Real name Costa Tsobanoglou, he was born on the 10th of September in 1995 in Nelspruit Mpumalanga then later moved to Johannesburg where he was currently based. 

Costa Titch started his artistic career at an early age as a dancer. He worked as a back-up dancer with several artists and most notably Cassper Nyovest before perusing his musical career. He was greatly loved for his seamless dance moves, catchy lines and his ability to wax lyrically in IsiZulu, SeSotho, Afrikaans and English with so much ease and passion. His music grew popular globally and on the continent. In Zimbabwe he was a big favorite and he visited the country to perform twice last year in March at the Changamire Hip Hop Awards nominees party and more recently last October at Unplugged. 

His death comes less than a month after the death of fellow rapper AKA.

AKA real name Kiernan Forbes was shot dead outside a restaurant in the eastern city of Durban. He was mourned across  the world. The two had together with another deceased rapper Riky Rick collaborated on the remix of Nkalakatha in 2020. 

Akon last November praised Costa Titch for the progress he has made in the music business saying “‘He’s Going To Change The Game” . He went on to collaborate with him on the remix of Big Flexxa this year, performed with him at Cotton Fest and announced that Costa Titch was joining his Konvict Music family. 

A star with a bright career cut too short. Tributes continue to pour from across the world. May his soul Rest in peace.