South African rapper Costa Titch dies hours after collapsing during festival performance

South African rapper Costa Titch died hours after he collapsed onstage during a live performance.

The rapper was 28.

"Death has tragically knocked at our door. Robbing us of our beloved son, brother, and grandson. Constantinos Tsobanoglou (28), whom South Africa had come to love and idolize under his stage name 'Costa Titch,'" his family wrote in an Instagram post shared to the rapper's page Sunday. "It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time."

The family did not give an official cause of death. 

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Titch performed at Ultra South Africa music festival in Johannesburg on Saturday. Videos shared on social media show the rapper collapsing briefly, standing to continue to perform and appearing to lose consciousness once more as staff rushed to his side.

In his family's statement, they thanked "emergency responders and all those 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," they continued. "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."

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Ultra South Africa also shared a statement Sunday. "We are devastated by the sudden (loss) of the beloved South African artist Costa Titch, who tragically passed away this weekend," the musical festival wrote on Twitter.

Organizers added: "Costa was a galvanizing voice amongst South Africa’s amapiano scene – a talented rapper, dancer, songwriter, collaborator and friend to the festival."

Titch was known for his sound in the South African music genre amapiano. He signed to Akon's Konvict Kulture label in 2020.