South African rapper Costa Titch has died after collapsing on stage during a festival performance.

Footage has been circulating on social media showing the moments of the tragedy. Captured by fans in the audience, the artist is seen stumbling and falling to the ground during his set before being helped to his feet.

He reportedly continued to perform and finished his track a few seconds later before falling for a second time.

Costa Titch, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was performing at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday when the incident took place.

He later died in hospital.

Costa’s big songs include Big Flexa and Activate and the artist started his career as a backing dancer before making the transition to a rapper.

Friends and family have begun posting tributes of the artist. In an Instagram post, his family confirmed his death and sent a message out to fans for their support. The post read:

“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 idolise 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.”

“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.

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation wrote on Twitter: “SAMRO is saddened by the passing of popular rapper Costa Tsobanoglou, better known as Costa Titch.”

“Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and broader music industry.”

In February, he announced on Instagram that he had partnered with fellow rapper Akon’s record label Konvict Kulture.

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