French DJ and electronic musician Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, has died at his home in Paris at the age of 50. His breakout hit, "Nightcall," released in 2010, gained widespread recognition after being featured in the opening credits of the 2011 film Drive. The song recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, becoming the most Shazamed song in a single day after its performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among those who paid tribute, calling Kavinsky "a source of French pride forever." Culture Minister Catherine Pégard remarked on X that France had lost one of its "most unique voices," adding that his music would "continue to transcend generations and borders."
Authorities found Kavinsky, born in Seine-Saint-Denis, at his Paris residence. While the BBC has contacted his representatives for confirmation, French media outlets and the Paris prosecutor's office reported the musician had been complaining of headaches for several days, and investigators are considering a stroke as a possible cause of death. No suspicious items were found at the scene. Prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Kavinsky launched his career in the early 2000s, performing as an opening act for French electronic pioneers Daft Punk. His alter ego, a red-eyed zombie DJ, aligned him with the second wave of the influential "French Touch" music scene, which included artists like Justice and Sebastian. The track "Nightcall" was a collaboration with Daft Punk's Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, mixed by Sebastian, and featured vocals by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx. During the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, Belgian singer Angèle performed lead vocals on the track alongside Kavinsky and French band Phoenix.