Costa Titch had ambitious ideas and goals. But on Saturday, when the South African rapper slumped on stage, his admirers feared the worst.
Later, his family revealed on Instagram: “Tragically, death has knocked on our door.”
As authorities investigate the incident, tributes have been offered to the 28-year-old.
Jeremiah Asiamah, a presenter for BBC 1Xtra who interviewed Costa Titch only a few weeks ago, describes it as a “really sad loss.”
“Not only for the amapiano sound, but for all music lovers,” he explains to BBC Newsbeat.
When he enters a room, his energy is contagious, much like his music.
Who exactly was Costa Titch?
Costa Titch, born Constantinos Tsobanoglou, began his career as a dancer until achieving international success in 2022 with his song Big Flexa.
He established a deal with Akon’s Konvict Kulture record label last month.
The rappers cooperated on a remix of the song, which was deemed a “Rising Record” on the 1Xtra Rave Show.
“Despite the success of the original, there are still many parts of the world that are unaware of the record,” Costa said on the show.
Yet, according to Jeremiah, Costa’s goals extended much beyond a single song.
“When we spoke, he said, ‘Big Flexa has done its thing, but I want to take it to a whole other level. I want to show people that I am more than a rapper, more than a dancer, I am a musician.'”
What is Amapiano?
Jeremiah describes amapiano as a kind of house music that originated in South Africa.
According to him, it is “laced with house, jazz, and lounge music, bringing all these sounds together with incredibly joyful and distinctive dances.”
If you had the opportunity to witness Costa Titch live, everyone would be performing his dances.
And given his expertise in dance, “you can only imagine the impact he had on amapiano,” says Jeremiah.
How did he die?
Social media videos depict Costa collapsing twice before going off the stage at the Johannesburg Ultra South Africa festival.
Organizers referred to him as a “beloved” performer and “a voice that galvanizes the South African amapiano scene.”
They added that they were “devastated by the unexpected loss.” Despite online rumors, the cause of death has not been revealed.
The local police said this will be determined by an autopsy, and Costa’s family has requested “time and space” while they “attempt to make sense of what has befallen us.”
A month after fellow South African rapper AKA, who police think was murdered, Costa passed away.
According to Jeremiah, AKA and Costa Titch were really good friends.
“It’s really unfortunate that South Africa and people all around the world who adored both of these musicians have passed away.
“Yet, despite the cliche, their music will live on,” says Jeremiah.
“Their songs will now be even more popular in the clubs; people will celebrate their lives because I know that’s what they’d want from us.”
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