Barely one month after the killing of South African rapper, AKA, another rapper Constantinos Tsobanoglou, also known as Costa Titch, has died.
Costa Titch died at age 27, after collapsing on stage during his performance at the Ultra Music Festival on Saturday, 11 March, 2023.
Reacting to his death, the family of the rapper-cum-dancer expressed grief at his passing while asking for time and space to come to terms with the demise.
The family wrote in a statement: “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”.
“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 who were 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 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. Please keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
Costa won Best Collaboration and Best Remix at the 2020 South African Hip Hop Awards for his Nkalakatha remix with Riky Rick and AKA.
He recently signed with Senegalese-American rapper Akon’s Konvict Kulture record label, and the rapper had recently appeared on Costa’s hit song, “Big Flexa,” in a remix.
In an interview with IOL, Costa stated that he collaborated with the record label to launch his career on a global scale.
Tributes and condolences from colleagues and friends have since been pouring in for Costa Titch as the South Africa music industry is still reeling in shock of the death of one of its finest rappers.
Nigerian social media influence, Pamilerin Adegoke tweeted: “Rest in peace South African music sensation Costa Titch who collapsed on stage today and drop dead, its really a hard time for South Africans at this point, it was AKA now Costa.
“Man is just 27. It’s sad. RIP legend 🙏”
@Ndwonife said: “Today being 11th of March, is it crazy that Costa Titch died exactly a month after AKA died on the 11th of February? 💔💔🕊”
“There’s some sort of Cult happening ka SA MUSIC INDUSTRY🤞🏾. RIP Costa Titch 💚💚💚,” EAZY said.
@ThembaENgcobo1 wrote: “Thank you Costa Titch for sharing your talent and creativity with us. Thank you for embracing South African cultures and languages. You have been one of the solid ones. Your passing adds to the the already existing trauma and pain. Megacy will forever hold you in their hearts🙏🏽💔 “
Reacting to Costa Titch death, @SA HIP-HOP shared a picture of rapper AKA who died on February 10 and Costa Titch alongside a caption: “As SA Hip Hop We have been robbed 💔💔. RIP Costa Titch 🕊🕊🕊”
Recall that ‘Fela In Versace’ rapper whose real name is Kiernan Jarryd Forbes died in Durban on 11 February, 2023.
AKA was with his close friends when he was fatally shot outside a popular restaurant on Florida Road.
The unknown gunmen opened fire on them killing Supa Mega instantly and his former manager, Tibz.
Many people have pointed accusing fingers at the father of his late girlfriend Anele Tembe.
Anele died under mysterious circumstances in a Cape Town hotel. she was sharing a hotel room with Supa Mega.
The #JusticeForAKA movement continues to gain momentum on social media.
One of AKA’s close friends Rich Mahog joined the #JusticeForAKA movement and demanded answers to critical questions.
The businessman took to Twitter and demanded answers to crucial questions that could help solve AKA’s murder case.
Rich Mahog asked: “Who hated Kiernan enough to have him killed? Who had the motive? Who has resources?”