Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) South African rapper Costa Tich died suddenly hours after performing at a music festival this weekend, his family said on Instagram.
The musician, whose real name was Konstantinos Tsovanoglou, was 28 years old.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show Tsovanoglou collapsing on stage before being picked up by someone next to him. Tsovanoguro then gets up for a few seconds and apparently collapses.
In a post on his Instagram, Tsovanoglou’s family said, “We are deeply saddened to have to confirm his passing at this time.” I thank the people of
The statement did not mention the cause of death.
The festival he was performing at, Ultra South Africa, said it was “devastated” by the young rapper’s death.
“Costa has been a vital part of the South African Amapiano scene. A talented rapper, dancer, singer, songwriter, collaborator and friend of the festival.
Tsobanoglou was a sensation in South Africa and was one of Amapiano’s biggest stars. This musical style featured deep his house, log drum driven basslines and soulful piano melodies. His rap style combines South African culture, style, and indigenous language with international rap subgenres such as his music, which originated in Atlanta’s thriving hip-hop scene.
Born in Nelspruit in northeast South Africa, Tsobanoglou had already found success in dancing before becoming a rapper.
Tsobanoglou’s song “Big Flexa” made him a star across Africa after his success on TikTok. The rapper recently partnered with a music label started by Senegalese-American musician Akon, who was featured on the remix of “Big Flexa.”
Tsobanoglou’s death comes a month after his friend and collaborator, fellow rapper AKA, died in a shooting.
CNN’s Joshua Berlinger contributed to this report