Credits: Selbymay / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 4.0.
The music world is in mourning. Nino Vella, a talented musician and collaborator of many French artists, died suddenly at the age of 31 this Monday, July 1. His producers announced the sad news on Instagram. "Rossinante and Sony Music Publishing France are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our friend Nino Vella, whose talent and virtuosity were matched only by his joie de vivre and his big smile," they wrote.
The exact circumstances of his passing remain uncertain. However, according to a close friend quoted by the press, he is said to have "died in his sleep, at home in Paris."
Nino Vella, originally from Cholet, became known to the general public after winning the televised talent show The Artist, broadcast on France 2 in 2021. He formed the duo Rouquine with Sébastien Rousselet. Together, they collaborated with renowned artists such as Maes, Patrick Bruel, Olivia Ruiz, and Eddy de Pretto.
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in. Eddy de Pretto expressed on Instagram: "I will continue to let your piano resonate in every venue in France. You remain immense." Vianney, for his part, wrote: "Goodbye my friend. I’m going to miss you so much. I will treasure these moments when my guitar and your piano crossed paths. Thank you for the person you were, Nino Vella."
After a first album in 2022, Rouquine released a second record, Mammifère, last March. A tour was planned in the coming months. French music has lost a promising and passionate artist.