South African rapper Costa Titch has died after appearing to collapse on stage during a performance at a music festival over the weekend.
The rapper, whose real name is Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was 28.
Tsobanoglou performed at Ultra South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday. Video footage of his set circulated on social media and shows the rapper appearing to fall on stage. He was picked up by a person next to him, but after several seconds he appeared to fall again and collapsed from the stage.
His family shared a tribute on the rapper’s Instagram page on Sunday, writing: “Death has tragically knocked on our door. Depriving us of our beloved son, brother and grandson, Constantinos Tsobanoglou, whom South Africa had come to love and idolize under his stage name ‘Costa Titch’.”
The family did not share a cause of death.
“We are grateful to the emergency personnel and all those present during his final hours on this earth. As a family we are facing a difficult time trying to understand what has passed us and pray that we are given time and space to gather ourselves, the declaration states.
“The Tsobanoglou family thank you for the love and support you have given our son and may you continue to lift him up in spirit yourself,” the tribute continued. “Please keep us in your prayers and lifted up in the Lord.”
Ultra South Africa said in a announcement Sunday: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of beloved South African artist Costa Titch, who tragically passed away over the weekend.”
The festival remembered the artist as “a talented rapper, dancer, songwriter, collaborator” and “a galvanizing voice among South Africa’s amapiano scene.”
“Our deepest thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and our entire community as they mourn this heartbreaking loss together,” the festival’s statement said.