Kavinsky: A French Electronic Music Icon

French DJ and producer Kavinsky, born Vincent Belorgey, has died at the age of 50. One of the most distinctive names in French electronic music, Kavinsky created a unique world inspired by 1980s cinema, electronic music and car culture.

He started releasing music in the 2000s and became part of a generation that helped bring French electronic music to audiences around the world. He also toured with Daft Punk, before reaching a much wider audience with “Nightcall”, released in 2010. The track later became closely associated with Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive and remains Kavinsky’s best-known work.

His connection with Istanbul also goes back to those early years. One of Kavinsky’s first gigs in Istanbul took place at Indigo on 9 February 2008, promoted and hosted by Red Jungle artist Bubumatik. The night became a memorable moment for Istanbul’s electronic music crowd.

Years later, Kavinsky returned to the international spotlight at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony, performing “Nightcall” alongside Angèle and Phoenix — a moment that introduced his music to another generation.

Following his death, French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to him with a simple message: “Kavinsky, French pride forever.”

From underground clubs to cinema and one of the world’s biggest stages, Kavinsky built a sound and visual universe that was instantly his own.

His music will keep driving into the night.

Rest in peace, Kavinsky