By Bobby Nishimwe
The African music community was dealt a tragic blow this past weekend with the untimely death of South African artist Costa Titch, whose death came after an onstage collapse during a performance. Not only did those of us who were fans of Costa lose a beloved musician but his loved ones lost a son.
Titch’s music career started in 2017 with the release of his single “activate” which captured the Atlanta-like style of rap, a sound so different from the “Flexa” rhythm that the global African community would come to love.
Costa was by all definitions a rising star within the global Amapiano scene. He took fans of that Mzansi sound by storm when he released his hit track “Big Flexa” towards the end of 2021. The song currently has more than 10M streams on Spotify and 46M+ views on youtube.
I remember the first time I heard this song as I was scrolling on instagram, and there appeared a video of Costa Titch with his signature colorful hair, dancing to “Big Flexa.” His looks and dance moves were striking features that set him apart from the crowded piano scene.
In the “Big Flexa” video, his dance moves were defined by his arms facing down in a 90 degree angle with clenched fists which he gradually raised to the rhythm of the beat and released them in the air. A motion which created the sense of one flexing what they had gained from stardom. This song made you feel like a boss and that you were the “shit.” Flexing in Costa’s world was not something for society to frown upon rather to celebrate. It was a representation of all that once had come to accomplish.
The energy that this song exuded far outpaced the small stature that Costa’s physical appearance represented. Celebration, flexing and enjoyment were the three big ideas that this song advocated.
If you attended an African party in the past year and the DJ did not play “Big Flexa” then they ought to reevaluate their piano ear.
Costa was well respected amongst his counterparts across the continent, working with major artists from Nigeria, Tanzania and more. The artists spanned from Akon, Teni, Diamond Platnumz, Ycee, Pheelz, Mayorkum, Mbosso and more.
Some of my favorite features include “Shetani” with Tanzanian artist Mbosso, a tune entrenched with melodies that can cure sadness. This track is about letting loose and allowing ourselves to partake in the activities that bring us joy, with partying being the leading activity expressed in this song.
Another track that I loved listening to is Costa’s “Superstar” song featuring Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz and Ma Gang. We saw Titch really take hold of the level he had reached in the industry and he goes ahead to declare himself as much of a superstar as the likes of Michael Jackson, Drake, Justin Bieber and so on. This braggadocios nature of Costa’s lyrics is what I personally believe was a part of the appeal that drew so many of us to him. He had no qualms of placing himself in a certain category with the greats. Now, he may not have reached the level of fame as that of the superstars listed above, but he certainly brought the same superstar energy to his music.
In South Africa, Costa collaborated with some of the biggest names in their music industry. Some of those collaborations were with the late rappers AKA and Riky Rick, who both passed away before him.
The last project that we received from Costa was his recent “Big Flexa” remix with the global icon, Akon. Upon the announcement of this project, Costa and Akon had signed a global partnership deal between their two labels. Costa’s work was not done, he had plans to reach even greater heights but fate did not allow him that chance.
Even with that being said, we cannot underestimate the impact that he has left on the African music industry. His footprint in the Piano scene will live on for years to come. His exuberant energy will be the motivating sound that will move us forward in times of hardship.
I will remember Costa Titch for his vibrant spirit that energized crowds across the continent and diaspora. His music taught us to be our own champions, live a life worthy of boastfulness and never take a single moment for granted.
RIP to a son of Mzansi, a son of Mama Africa and a curator of some of our favorite piano tunes! May Costa Titch rest in power and his legacy live on for generations to come.
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