French DJ and electro-house musician Kavinsky was found dead in his Paris home at the age of 50.
The star, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, enjoyed gradual success with his song Nightcall from 2010, which formed part of the soundtrack for the opening credits of the elegant neo-noir crime film Drive from 2011, starring Ryan Gosling.
After being performed at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this cult classic of synthwave modern became the most searched song on Shazam in a single day in the music identification app’s history.
French President Emmanuel Macron led tributes to the late DJ, posting on Facebook that Kavinsky was “a source of French pride forever.”
French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard added in X: “With the sudden death of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices.”
“From the movie Drive until the Paris Olympic Games, Nightcall It moved the entire world. Danceable and nostalgic at the same time, his music will continue to transcend generations and borders.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office reported in a statement that Kavinsky was found dead at his home in the French capital, according to reports from the agency. Reuters and several French media outlets.
The BBC was awaiting confirmation after contacting the DJ’s representatives.
The French newspaper The Figaro reported that Kavinsky had been complaining of headaches for several days and authorities believe he may have suffered a stroke.
Emergency services did not find any suspicious objects at the scene and the Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation to determine the cause of death, according to the outlet.
“An inspiration to many”
Belorgey was born in the suburbs of Paris, in Seine-Saint-Denis and was a self-taught pianist.
He began his career in the early 2000s, opening for French electronic music pioneers Daft Punk.
Kavinsky, his alter ego as a red-eyed zombie DJ, was part of the second wave of influential French Touch artists, including Justice and Sebastian.
Nightcall was produced with Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, mixed by Sebastian and sung by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx.
The song was covered by London Grammar in 2013, making it known to an even wider audience.
At Paris 2024, however, Belgian singer Angèle took lead vocals, performing a memorable version of the song to close the games alongside Kavinsky and French band Phoenix.
This Wednesday, Angèle posted a photo of herself with the late DJ and producer on her Instagram story. “Immense sadness,” he wrote about the photograph.
“Thank you for allowing me to live that unforgettable moment on stage with you, and all the adventure that followed.”
Kavinsky collaborated with another singer, Canadian star The Weeknd, on a version of another song, OddLooktaken from their 2013 debut album, OutRun.
The singer of starboywhose real name is Abel Tesfaye, also paid tribute on X, saying: “Heartbreaking to hear the news. An inspiration to many, including myself. I will continue to honor your name and your music. Rest in peace, Kavinsky.”
The mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire, expressed his “deep sadness” through the same platform.
“Born in Paris, he took the colors of the French electronic scene to the top of the world, establishing a unique musical universe impregnated with nostalgia and modernity,” he wrote.
“In this time of mourning, my thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and all those who were reflected in his music.”
This article was originally written in English and we used an artificial intelligence tool to translate it. A BBC journalist reviewed the text before publication. Learn more about how we use AI.
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