More than three years after the death of South African Amapiano star Costa Titch, his mother, Lara Langeveld, has shared an emotional message reflecting on her loss, her concerns about the circumstances surrounding his passing and the continued use of her son’s name, music and image.
In a heartfelt Instagram post addressed to the late artist, Langeveld expressed the belief that jealousy and competition can sometimes take dark forms. Her message also questioned the motives of people she suspects may have felt threatened by Costa’s growing success.
“Jealousy comes in so many forms, and sometimes the darkest form is wanting someone gone so you can shine in their place,” she wrote.
Langeveld added that she believes wrongdoing will eventually come to light, expressing faith that God sees what happens away from the public eye.
Costa Titch’s Mother Questions the Use of His Legacy
Beyond reflecting on her son’s death, Langeveld raised concerns about people continuing to benefit commercially from Costa Titch’s music, image and name.
Her comments revealed the frustration and pain she feels when she sees others gaining from the legacy of an artist whose life ended so suddenly. While her post expressed suspicions about the intentions of certain people, those claims have not been independently established as fact.
“God has your back, Costa,” she wrote, describing her son as “a pure heart taken too soon.”
Despite her concerns, Langeveld remains firm in her belief that her son’s contribution to South African music cannot be erased.
“Your legacy, your music and your name can never be erased. You were becoming an icon. And you still are,” she added.
What Happened to Costa Titch?
Costa Titch, born Costantinos Tsobanoglou, died on 11 March 2023 after collapsing during his performance at Ultra South Africa in Johannesburg. He was 28 years old.
His death sent shockwaves through the South African music industry and prompted widespread speculation about what had caused the medical emergency. In the aftermath, Langeveld also raised concerns about the events of that night, including the emergency response and the time it took for her son to reach hospital.
In May 2024, the family shared findings from the post-mortem examination that provided a medical explanation for his death.
According to the information released by the family, Costa had an undiagnosed underlying heart condition. The strain on his heart, together with prolonged stress and fatigue associated with an intense performance schedule, was believed to have triggered an irregular heartbeat that led to the fatal seizure.
The family also reported that toxicology results were negative, addressing rumours that had circulated after his passing.
Although the findings offered medical context, Langeveld has continued to speak about the emotional weight of losing her son and the questions she still associates with the events surrounding his final performance.
Remembering Costa Titch’s Impact on South African Music
Before his untimely death, Costa Titch carved out a distinctive place in South African music by combining Amapiano influences with rap, commanding stage performances and an unmistakable high-energy style.
His hit song “Big Flexa” helped take his sound to wider audiences, while his performances and musical identity made him a recognisable figure in the local music scene.
Even after his passing, his catalogue continues to reach fans, and his influence remains part of conversations about the artists who helped shape South Africa’s evolving sound.
For Langeveld, however, her son’s legacy goes far beyond commercial success, streaming numbers or industry recognition. Her latest message reflects a mother still navigating grief while holding on to the belief that Costa’s name and contribution deserve to be remembered and respected.
Her allegations about possible jealousy and the motives of others remain personal claims rather than established facts. Nevertheless, the post has brought renewed attention to the difficult questions families can face when a loved one dies suddenly in the public eye.
Ultimately, Langeveld’s message is one of grief, faith and determination: whatever questions remain, she believes Costa Titch’s music, name and impact will continue to live on.
What do you think is the best way to protect and honour an artist’s legacy after their passing?
