Costa Titch—who tragically passed away in March 2023 while performing in Johannesburg—emerged on South Africa’s hip-hop scene as a dancer for Cassper Nyovest and the New Age Steez crew. But the artist born Constantinos Tsobanoglou had ambitions for the front of the stage. Able to successfully tap into South Africa’s ampiano boom while possessing an ear for international rap flavors (not least trap), Costa found an irresistible formula which perhaps peaked with 2022 single “Big Flexa”—and its remix with Costa’s label boss Akon. Passing away at just 28 ensures Costa’s discography remains cruelly unfulfilled, but fans will take solace in a raft of infectious, high-energy tracks that will hit even harder now.