The dance music world is mourning Kavinsky. The French DJ and producer, real name Vincent Belorgey, died at his Paris home on Tuesday evening at 50. Notably, tributes have poured in over the last 24 hours from across the electronic music community, the French Touch scene he helped shape, and even France's political leadership, all paying tribute to Kavinsky.
David Guetta shared his own note on Instagram. “Just learned about Kavinsky’s passing. A true icon of French electronic music,” he wrote. “Thank you for creating a sound that was entirely your own and for leaving us with music that will continue to inspire. Thank you for your kindness and simplicity. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Fellow French Touch icon Sébastien Tellier posted an archival photo of the two together. His caption, in French, called Belorgey “unique, extremely funny and touching.” Additionally, he thanked him for a friendship stretching across records, films, videos and endless nights out in their shared Montmartre neighbourhood. “You were and you will remain a legend,” he wrote. DJ Falcon shared a French Touch group shot from the Ed Banger era. Notably, comments from A-Trak and others quickly followed.
Furthermore, Jean-Michel Jarre wrote perhaps the most personal tribute. “Mon Vincent, La nuit t’a vraiment rappelé trop tôt,” he posted, echoing the phrasing of ‘Nightcall’. Translated: “My Vincent, the night really called you too soon. I remember our nightcalls and our closeness, and I’ll keep you close to me, my little brother in arms.”
Ultimately, the response reached the highest office in France. President Emmanuel Macron posted an image of Kavinsky with a short caption. “Kavinsky, fierté française pour toujours,” he wrote. That translates as “Kavinsky, French pride forever.” Beyond that, the outpouring underlines just how deeply his 2010 track ‘Nightcall’ and the broader French Touch legacy sit in French culture. Kavinsky’s official channels have not yet posted funeral details.
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