Rabat – French electronic music producer Kavinsky, best known for his cult synthwave anthem Nightcall, has died at the age of 50 after being found at his home in Paris.

The artist, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was discovered at his Paris residence on Tuesday, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office, as reported by Reuters and several French media outlets. 

Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of death. French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Kavinsky had complained of headaches in the days leading up to his death, with investigators reportedly considering the possibility of a stroke. 

No suspicious items were found at the scene.

Among those paying tribute was fellow French DJ David Guetta, who described Kavinsky as “a true icon of French electronic music.”

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

“Thank you for your kindness and simplicity.”

Canadian singer The Weeknd, who collaborated with Kavinsky on Odd Look, also honored the late producer, writing: “So heartbreaking to hear the news.”

“An inspiration to so many, including myself.”

French President Emmanuel Macron described the musician as “a source of French pride forever,” while Culture Minister Catherine Pégard https://x.com/catherinepegard/status/2082387364521906609"> wrote on X, “With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices.”

“From the film Drive to the Paris Olympics, the whole world was moved by Nightcall. Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to transcend generations and borders,” she added.

Born in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of Paris, Belorgey was a self-taught pianist who launched his music career in the early 2000s, even opening for pioneering French electronic duo Daft Punk. 

Performing under his zombie-inspired alter ego Kavinsky, he became one of the defining names of the second wave of the French Touch movement alongside artists such as Justice and SebastiAn.

His signature track, “Nightcall,” released in 2010, gained worldwide recognition after featuring in the opening credits of the 2011 film Drive starring Ryan Gosling. 

Produced alongside Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, mixed by SebastiAn, and featuring vocals from Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx, the song became one of synthwave’s most celebrated recordings.

The track enjoyed another major resurgence during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Kavinsky performed it with French band Phoenix and Belgian singer Angèle. 

The performance propelled Nightcall to become the most Shazamed song in a single day in the app’s history.

Following the news of his death, Angèle shared a photo of the pair on her Instagram story, writing, “Immense sadness.”

“Thank you for letting me experience that unforgettable moment on stage with you, and the entire adventure that followed.”