Tributes have been paid to the French DJ and electro-house musician Kavinsky, who has been found dead at his home in Paris aged 50.
The star, real name Vincent Belorgey, enjoyed a slow-burning hit with his 2010 track Nightcall, which later soundtracked the opening credits of the stylish neo-noir crime movie Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.
After Kavinsky performed it at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, the modern synthwave cult classic became the most Shazamed song in a single day in the history of the music identifying app.
Fellow French DJ David Guetta described him, external as “a true icon of French electronic music”, while singer and collaborator The Weekend said he was “an inspiration”.
“Thank you for creating a sound that was entirely your own and for leaving us with music that will continue to inspire,” added Guetta.
“Thank you for your kindness and simplicity.”
France President Emmanuel Macron said, external the artist was “a source of French pride forever”.
Culture Minister Catherine Pégard wrote on X, external: “With the sudden passing of Kavinsky, France has lost one of its most unique voices.”
She added: “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.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office said in a statement that Kavinsky had been found dead at his home in the French capital on Tuesday, Reuters and French media outlets reported.
The BBC has contacted the DJ’s representatives for confirmation.
French newspaper Le Figaro reported Kavinsky had been complaining of headaches for several days, and authorities think he may have had a stroke.
No suspicious items were discovered at the scene by the first responders and Paris prosecutors have now opened an investigation to determine the cause of death, the outlet said.
