British-Nigerian singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died after being stabbed in East London, prompting a murder investigation by police.
According to the Newham Recorder, the 35-year-old musician, born Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was attacked around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown. Emergency services responded to the scene, but he was pronounced dead.
The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command has launched a homicide investigation into the incident.
In a family statement, his relatives confirmed his passing, describing it as a devastating loss. They said Mark “Yinka” Orabiyi, known professionally as Talay Riley, was a talented songwriter and artist whose kindness and presence would be deeply missed.
The family also thanked the public for their support, expressing appreciation for the “outpouring of love and support” received during the difficult time.
Talay Riley, brother of music producer Scribz Riley, built a career spanning over a decade in the R&B industry. He signed a publishing deal at 18 and later worked with Jive/Sony Records after featuring on Chipmunk’s 2009 hit.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, including from Scribz Riley, who described his brother as a mentor and inspiration, saying his loss felt “like a bad dream.”
Rappers and artists including Stormzy and Craig David have also shared condolences.
