French DJ and electropop musician Kavinsky dies aged 50
He had a hit with his track Nightfall, which featured on the Drive soundtrack and at the Paris Olympics.
French DJ and electropop musician Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, has passed away at the age of 50. He was discovered deceased at his Paris residence.
Belorgey was widely recognized by his red-eyed zombie DJ alter ego, Kavinsky, and gained significant acclaim for his 2010 track "Nightcall." This song, a slow-burning cult hit, famously served as the opening credits soundtrack for the stylish neo-noir crime film *Drive*, starring Ryan Gosling.
Following its performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the modern synthwave hit "Nightcall" achieved a record, becoming the most Shazamed song in a single day in the music identification app's history.
Tributes poured in for the late DJ. French President Emmanuel Macron posted on Facebook that Kavinsky was "a source of French pride forever." Culture Minister Catherine Pégard added on X, "With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices." She further stated, "From the film Drive to the Paris Olympics, the whole world was moved by Nightcall. Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to transcend generations and borders."
Reuters and French media outlets reported that the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed Kavinsky was found dead at his home in the French capital. The BBC has reached out to the DJ's representatives for confirmation.
French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Kavinsky had been experiencing headaches for several days, and authorities suspect he may have suffered a stroke. First responders found no suspicious items at the scene, and Paris prosecutors have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of death.
Belorgey, a self-taught pianist born in Seine-Saint-Denis, just outside Paris, began his career in the early 2000s, notably opening for French electro pioneers Daft Punk. Kavinsky was a prominent figure in the second wave of influential "French Touch" artists, a group that also included Justice and Sebastian.
"Nightcall" was a collaborative effort, produced with Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, mixed by Sebastian, and featured vocals by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, however, Belgian singer Angèle performed a memorable version of the track, taking on lead vocal duties alongside Kavinsky and French band Phoenix.