Grammy award-winning British singer-songwriter Talay Riley, real name Mark Orabiyi, died on Friday, June 5, at the age of 35, following a horror knife attack in East London. Police responded to calls that a man had been stabbed and found the hitmaker with several stab wounds in the garden of a property on Rayleigh Road. Although emergency services battled to save his life he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man in his 20s was also found with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to the hospital, where he remains under the care of medics, but his condition is said to be non-life-threatening. Homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation and two men, aged 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman were arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder. However, one of the men and the woman were released with no further action. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Police have appealed for further information from "anyone who was in the area at the time". Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation said: "This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones.
Express.co.uk has contacted the Metropolitan Police for further comment.
His family confirmed his death with a heartbreaking tribute. They said: "Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him.We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace."
His brother, songwriter Scribz Riley, whose real name is Michael Orabiyi Riley, also shared a tribute on Instagram penning: "I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that in the morning of Friday 5th June my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away.
"My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation. Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives."
The star had previously worked with the like of Dua Lipa, Usher, Chipmunk, Craig David and Britney Spears and co-wrote H.E.R.’s song Lights On, which appeared on her Grammy award winning self-titled 2017 album. He was behind global hits like Khalid’s Young Dumb & Broke, The Chainsmokers’ Who Do You Love, FLO’s Walk Like This, and Kehlani’s Out The Window.
Music industry figures rushed to pay tribute as the news broke. Craig David, who had worked with Talay on his 2018 album The Time is now, commented: "Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side."
Kehlani shared: "Big hugs scribz i’m so sorry." R&B icon Khalid added: "I'm so sorrry bro… im sending you so much love.”
Talay's longtime friend and collaborator Chip lamented: “You aint deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro. your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life. RIP Talay Riley. I’ll cherish the memories forever fam. Prayers and thoughts go out to your family.”
