In brief
Vincent Belorgey, better known as Kavinsky, has been found dead at his Paris home at the age of 50. The electro‑house artist rose to fame with the 2010 hit “Nightcall,” which featured in the film Drive and later became the day’s most Shazamed track after the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony. French President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard paid televised tributes, and authorities opened an investigation after reports of a possible stroke. Kavinsky’s innovative work with Daft Punk, The Weeknd and others cemented his place in the French Touch movement and global synthwave scene.
The French electro‑house artist known as Kavinsky, born Vincent Belorgey, was discovered dead at his Paris residence at age 50. France’s culture community and national leaders mounted an outpouring of tribute in the wake of the news.
Kavinsky first captured global attention in 2010 with the track Nightcall, later used as the opening theme for the 2011 neo‑noir film Drive. The song saw renewed popularity after his performance at the 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony, pushing it to the record as the most Shazamed song in a single day.
President Emmanuel Macron posted on Facebook, calling Kavinsky a “source of French pride forever,” while Culture Minister Catherine Pégard on X added, “France has lost one of its most unique voices.” She praised the artist’s influence from Drive to the Olympics, noting his music will transcend generations.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that the death was found at Kavinsky’s home and a preliminary investigation has been opened. French newspaper Le Figaro reported that he had been experiencing headaches in the days before and authorities suspect a possible stroke; no suspicious elements were found at the scene.
Kavinsky began his career as a self‑taught pianist from Seine‑Saint‑Denis and worked closely early on with pioneering French electro acts such as Daft Punk, Justice, and Sebastian. His 2010 single was produced with Daft Punk’s Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sebastian, and sung by Brazilian vocalist Lovefoxxx. The track was later covered by London Grammar in 2013, extending its reach.
During the Paris 2024 closing ceremony, singer Angèle provided a memorable rendition of “Nightcall,” joined by Kavinsky on stage with the French band Phoenix — a nod to his enduring influence across the contemporary music landscape.
Kavinsky also produced a remix of The Weeknd’s “OutRun” from the latter’s 2013 debut album, showcasing his cross‑genre collaborations.
The BBC has reached out to Kavinsky’s representatives for official confirmation and will continue monitoring the investigation into the circumstances of his passing.
