South Africa’s music industry has once again been hit hard by the sudden passing of the Nelspruit born Constantinos Tsonanoglou known as Costa Titch.
Costa took his last breath at the end of his performance at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Joburg on Saturday where he collapsed on stage. The unfortunate moment was captured and has since gone viral.
The industry has expressed sadness to the events with many artists and fans reacting in shock at his passing and at the manner in which it happened.
Nadia Nakai who recently had to bid farewell to her lover Kiernan “AKA” Forbes said on twitter: “God! So you are just going to take them one by one! What is the plan here!! I’m so freaked out, what is going on here?! Someone please explain.”
Born in Mpumalanga on September 10, 1995 Costa Titch became a dancer before blooming as a rapper. In 2014 he moved to Joburg to pursue his career in the entertainment industry. He was well received by the fraternity and worked with giants like Focalistic, Cassper Nyovest, Ricky Rick and AKA to mention a few.
The rapper had recently signed a global deal with Akon’s record label, Konvict Kulture. He said on the signing of the historical moment: “I’ve always wanted to remain independent and instead of signing to a major label, I’ve always wanted to partner with one. After the success of my 2022 catalogue we felt it was time to partner with a global entity so we can push the barriers on an international scale.”
Costa Titch’s death has shown a spotlight on the “Nkalakatha remix”, featuring himself, the late Ricky Rick and AKA, with many hip hop fans wondering why all three stars on the song have passed away.
Some have gone as far as alleging that there could be a dark cloud looming over the country’s entertainment industry. “There’s some sort of Cult happening in the SA Music Industry. RIP Costa Titch,” one social media user said.
The young star will be remembered with hits like Thembi, Stimela, Geza, Balance and Instincts to name a few. His family released a statement confirming his passing away.
“Death has tragically knocked at our door, robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson who South Africa had come to love and idolise under his stage name ‘Costa Titch’. It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time,’’ the statement said.
The family has asked for privacy and space to come to terms with the death of their son.
