Kavinsky, French Synthwave Pioneer, Dies at 50

Vincent Belorgey, known professionally as Kavinsky, was found dead at his Paris home on a Tuesday evening, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. First responders reported no suspicious elements at the scene, and prosecutors have opened an inquiry to determine the cause of death. The death was reported by multiple outlets in 2026.

Kavinsky, French DJ and composer of 'Nightcall', dies at 50

Belorgey began releasing music in the mid-2000s, debuting with the EP *Teddy Boy* in 2006 and opening for Daft Punk on their 2007 tour. He created the “Kavinsky” persona—a zombie-like driver who survived a 1986 Testarossa crash—to blend 16-bit video-game aesthetics with French house and synthwave influences.

The Guardian

The 2010 single “Nightcall,” co-produced with Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and sung by Brazilian vocalist Lovefoxxx, gained worldwide attention after appearing in the opening credits of the 2011 film *Drive*. The track later featured in the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, performed with French band Phoenix and Belgian singer Angèle.

The Guardian

• “Nightcall” reached the French Top 10, earned a diamond certification in France and gold in the United Kingdom.

CNN

• The track has been streamed more than 500 million times on Spotify and over 350 million times on YouTube.

Rolling Stone

• Kavinsky’s 2013 album *OutRun* peaked at No. 2 on the French album charts; the 2024 Olympic performance of “Nightcall” reached No. 3 on the French singles chart.

CNN

• The 2013 single “Odd Look” (featuring SebastiAn and later The Weeknd) hit No. 5 on the U.S. dance chart and No. 46 on the U.S. dance-single chart.

Rolling Stone

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a tribute on his official Facebook account, describing Kavinsky as a “source of French pride forever.” Culture Minister Catherine Pégard confirmed the death in a post on X, calling him one of France’s “most singular voices.” The Paris prosecutor’s office announced that an investigation is underway and that no suspicious elements were found at the scene.

CNN

International collaborators also expressed condolences.

CNN

A police source cited by *Le Figaro* suggested that a stroke may have caused the death, noting that Belorgey had complained of headaches in the days prior. The BBC reported similar speculation, stating that authorities think a stroke is possible. However, the Paris prosecutor’s office has not confirmed a medical cause, and the investigation remains open. No autopsy results have been released, leaving the exact cause of death unverified.

The Guardian

• “His music will continue to resonate across generations and borders,” — Catherine Pégard, french culture minister

Rolling Stone

• “Thank you for creating a sound that was entirely your own and for leaving us with music that will continue to inspire,” — Guetta

BBC News

• “Thank you for your kindness and simplicity.” — France PresidentEmmanuel Macron, french president

BBC News

• “France loses one of its most singular voices. From the film Drive to the Paris Olympics, the entire world had pulsed to Nightcall. Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to resonate across generations and borders.” — Catherine Pégard, french culture minister

The Guardian