Latest news with #UltraSouthAfrica
IOL News
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Costa Titch's mother reflects on life after his death: ‘The spotlight took so much from you'
The late Costa Titch pictured with his mother, Lara Langeveld. Image: Instagram Costa Titch's mother, Lara Langeveld, has shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, opening up about her grief and longing months after her son's tragic passing. 'I miss you more than words could ever explain. Life has been so strange and surreal since you left us.' Titch, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, tragically collapsed on stage in March 2023, while performing at the Ultra South Africa music festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. Initial reports described him falling, regaining his footing and then collapsing again. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. In early 2024, his family revealed the official cause of death: a previously undetected strain on his heart, worsened by prolonged stress and exhaustion. This condition is believed to have triggered an irregular heartbeat and fatal seizure during the performance. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ While his name, music and image continue to resonate with fans around the world, Langeveld's heartfelt message reminded the public that behind the artist was a young man with a warm heart, infectious laugh and boundless kindness - the son she lovingly raised. 'The world still sees Costa Titch everywhere - your music, your name, your image - but not many see you ... the boy we knew, the gentle soul with the kind heart, that infectious laugh and those warm hugs we miss so much.' She reflected on the emotional toll of fame, and the weight her son carried behind the scenes, expressing a deep sense of maternal guilt and longing: 'I feel guilty sometimes, raising you to love freely, to be kind, to be open. But part of me wonders … if you had just lived a 'normal' life ... maybe you'd still be here with us.' And yet, she acknowledged that Titch would never have chosen a different path. His life, though brief, was lived with purpose. Known for championing unity, love and positivity, Titch stood as a symbol of hope and authenticity for many young South Africans. 'You never chased fame. You chased a purpose. You chased unity. You stood for love and positivity and gave youth something real to believe in.' As a parent, Langeveld continues to wrestle with sorrow, but finds peace in the belief that her son is now free from the burdens of fame and the pressures of public life. 'Where you are now, you are loved completely. There's no more pain, no more pressure, no more pretending. Just peace. Just love. Just you.' She ended the tribute with a powerful, eternal declaration: 'I love you, my son. Forever.' Titch's sudden death at the age of 28 devastated not only his loved ones but also a nation still reeling from the loss of fellow rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes, who was killed just a month prior. Together, their deaths marked a dark chapter in SA's music history. Langeveld's tribute serves as a touching reminder that while the world remembers Titch as a performer and public figure, his family continues to mourn the son, the brother, the friend, whose spirit touched lives far beyond the stage.
The South African
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Top DJ Armin van Buuren climbs Lion's Head
Renowned Dutch DJ and producer Armin van Buuren embraced Cape Town's natural beauty by hiking up Lion's Head on Friday ahead of his performance at Ultra South Africa. He shared his experience on social media, stating, 'South Africa it's good to be back. Climbed the beautiful Lion's Head trail today, the view over Cape Town is just breathtaking.' Van Buuren's ascent of the iconic peak coincided with his headlining set at Ultra South Africa's 10th anniversary event, held at The Ostrich Ranch later that evening. The festival featured a line-up of top electronic music artists, including Martin Garrix and KSHMR. Following the Cape Town show, Ultra South Africa will continue in Johannesburg on Saturday, 10 May, with Van Buuren also performing at the Expo Centre in Nasrec. Armin van Buuren is a world-renowned Dutch DJ, music producer, and remixer, best known for his work in the trance and electronic dance music (EDM) genres. Born on December 25, 1976, in Leiden, Netherlands, he began producing music in his teens and quickly gained recognition for his innovative sound and technical skill. He is the creator and host of A State of Trance (ASOT) , a weekly radio show that has become a major platform for trance music, attracting millions of listeners globally. Over the years, Van Buuren has released multiple studio albums and hit singles, earning critical acclaim and numerous industry awards. Armin has been voted the world's No 1 DJ multiple times by DJ Mag and is known for headlining major international music festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival. Beyond his music career, he is also recognised for his contributions to the global dance music scene and his ability to connect with fans through high-energy live performances and uplifting, melodic productions. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From beats to blooms: celebrate music and motherhood with Ultra South Africa and more
Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the festivities at the Joburg leg of Ultra South Africa 2025 Prepare for a night of music and vibrancy as Ultra South Africa is making its return to the City of Gold this weekend. The festival, which is Africa's largest electronic music festival, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with some of the biggest names in music. The global heavyweights who will take to the stage include Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, KSHMR and Shimza. They will be joined by Da Capo, DBN Gogo, Kabza De Small, Mörda, Kyle Cassim and many more. There will also be an array of meals and a wide selection of beverages to enjoy at the event. Where: Expo Centre at Nasrec. When: Saturday, May 10, from 2pm. Pretoria Zoo Mother's Day celebration Spoil the leading lady in your life with a day full of activities at the Pretoria Zoo Mother's Day celebration. This event, which is being hosted by Imbokodo Zase Mzansi Women, is a celebration of unity and sisterhood. It will include live performances from the likes of DJ Young ,Ismail Abrahams, Tbose Mokwele and Paul Mtirara. Attendees can also enjoy engaging activities and games, delicious food and drinks, inspirational speeches and networking. Where: The Pretoria Zoo. When: Sunday, May 11, from 10am. The Ruimsig Night Run Work on your fitness while enjoying the outdoors at The Ruimsig Night Run. Participants can choose from a 5km or 10km night run. There will also be live music, food vendors and an electric atmosphere at the finish line. Where: The Ruimsig Country Club. When: Friday, May 9, at 5pm.
