Police have confirmed that they have registered an inquest case following the death of musician Costa Tsobanoglou, known as Costa Titch.
Titch collapsed and subsequently died while performing at the Ultra SA Music Festival in Johannesburg on Saturday night.
The rapper had a stumble and fell during the performance. Despite the mishap, he resumed singing after being assisted by his bodyguard. He, however, slumped a second time and was carried off stage.
Earlier, in a statement, Titch Gang Records confirmed his death and the family requested to be afforded time and space to mourn.
On Sunday, the Tsobanoglou family issued a statement confirming the information.
“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 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,” reads the statement.
“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.”
Once again, the adage that unfortunate events come in threes has proven true in South Africa.
Titch’s demise comes after the recent deaths of Chef Lentswe Bhengu, who passed away after a brief illness, and hip hop artist AKA, who was fatally shot alongside his close friend and chef, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, last month.
Titch worked with AKA on You’re Welcome’ in 2021. He was popular for his contribution to the industry with hits such as Nkalakatha and Activate. He recently signed with music icon Akon’s record label, Konvict Kulture.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo says, “We can confirm that the police in SAPS Booysen have registered a case of inquest following the death of 28-year-old Mr Costa Tsobanoglou on 11 March 2023. It is reported that Tsobanoglou collapsed while he was performing at the Ultra South Africa concert at Nasrec.
Post-mortem will determine the cause of death.”
SAMRO say they are saddened by the rapper’s passing and have wished his family, friends and the broader music industry a heartfelt condolence.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
costa titch collapsed on the stage during his performance and died. 😭🕊 #Ripcostatitch pic.twitter.com/LwKSNx8JCc
— billy🛌 (@billymiltons) March 11, 2023
