French DJ Kavinsky dies aged 50

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:14:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Legendary French electronic artist Kavinsky, known for the cult hit "Nightcall", has passed away at 50. The world mourns the loss of a pioneer of the French Touch sound.

Vincent Belorgey, a.k.a. Kavinsky, died in his Paris home at the age of 50, with authorities investigating the cause of death. The track "Nightcall" became iconic after its use in the film Drive and later during the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony. French leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard, released tributes highlighting Kavinsky’s influence on French electronic music. Earlier reports suggested the DJ had been experiencing headaches, hinting at a possible stroke. His legacy as a self‑taught pianist and a key figure in the French Touch movement endures in global music culture.

French DJ Kavinsky (real name Vincent Belorgey) has died at the age of 50 in his Paris home. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the death and opened an investigation to determine the cause.

Kavinsky’s most famous track, "Nightcall", rose to cult status when it was used in the opening credits of the neo‑noir film Drive in 2011. The synth‑laced song also became one of the most Shazamed tunes of the day during the 2024 Olympic Games, where it was performed with Belgian singer Angèle and the French band Phoenix.

Earlier reports from French media claimed the DJ had been suffering from headaches for several days and that authorities believed a stroke may have been responsible. Authorities report that no suspicious items were discovered at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron posted on Facebook that Kavinsky was "a source of French pride forever". The Culture Minister, Catherine Pégard wrote on X that France had "lost one of its most unique voices" and praised the artist’s cross‑generational popularity.

A self‑taught pianist from Seine‑Saint‑Denis, Kavinsky began his career in the early 2000s, opening for French electro pioneers Daft Punk. He was part of the second wave of influential "French Touch" artists, including Justice and Sebastien. The original production of Nightcall involved Daft Punk’s Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, mixed by Sebastien, and sung by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx.

Kavinsky’s red‑eyed zombie DJ alter‑ego has left a lasting mark on French and international music, blending nostalgic synth sounds with EDM. The international community continues to celebrate his work and the legacy he built over two decades.