Costa Titch, a Caucasian rapper from South Africa, died suddenly while performing at a music festival in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Cell phone video shows Titch collapsing while performing at the Ultra Music Festival. He was 28.
The aspiring rapper, whose real name is Constantinos Tsobanoglou, stumbled onstage before falling off the stage and landing on his back.
His legs flailed as he lay on the concrete floor in front of the stage. His crew picked him up and carried him backstage.
CAUTION: This video may be disturbing to some viewers. Discretion is advised.
Costa titch rapper died suddenly… pic.twitter.com/f8ocUoYJ4r
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Medics performed CPR on Titch backstage, but he was pronounced dead. His family confirmed his death in a post on Instagram.
As video of Titch’s collapse went viral, fans and fellow rappers wondered whether the mRNA vaccine contributed to his death or if it was drug-related.
Controversial YouTuber Slik Talk was criticized for speculating about Titch’s sudden death. “I hope it’s not what I think it is,” he said in a video.
“To die on stage would be crazy, but those are the rumors, I don’t have confirmation but right now I can confirm that Costa Titch, white rapper who did amapiano and hip hop, has sadly passed away. Condolences to his family,” Slik said in a 2-minute video.
Slik named other South African artists who recently passed away, including aspiring rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, 35, who was shot and killed in Durban, South Africa in February.
“Costa Titch has joined Riky Rick, Kiernan and DJ PH, my ni**a is gone and not coming back. If he died on stage that would be crazy and I hope it’s not what I think it is, that’s all I’m saying.”
He continued:
“If he passed away on stage, it could only be one thing. But I hope that’s not the case, I hope it’s something else, I hope it’s just an unfortunate situation. The man was very young and had a bright future ahead of him and passed away at the tender age of twenty something.”