South African rapper Costa Tich died after collapsing on stage during a performance at a music festival over the weekend.
The rapper, whose real name is Konstantinos Sobanoglu, was 28 years old.
Tsobanoglu performed at Ultra South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday. Video footage of his set circulated on social media, showing the rapper collapsing on stage. He was picked up by a person next to him but after a few seconds, he appeared to fall again and fell off the stage.
His family shared a tribute on the rapper’s Instagram page on Sunday, writing: “Death has tragically knocked on our door. Robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson, Konstantinos Sobanoglou, who was buried in South Africa.” Became loved and worshiped under his stage name ‘Costa Tich’.
The family did not share the cause of death.
“We are grateful to the emergency responders and everyone present in our last hours on this earth. We are facing a difficult time as a family as we try to understand what has happened to us and Asks us to give ourselves time and space to gather.
“The Tsobanoglu family thanks you for the love and support you have given to our son and may you continue to uplift him in spirit as well,” the tribute continued. “Please keep us in your prayers and lift up in the Lord.”
ultra south africa said in a statement Sunday: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of beloved South African artist Costa Tich, who tragically passed away this weekend.”
The festival remembered the artist as a “talented rapper, dancer, songwriter, collaborator” and “an inspiring voice amongst South Africa’s amapiano scene”.
“Our deepest thoughts and most sincere sympathies are with his family, friends and our entire community, who are mourning this heartbreaking loss,” the festival statement said.
