British-Nigerian singer and songwriter, Talay Riley, has died after he was fatally stabbed in East London, prompting a murder investigation by British authorities.
Talay, whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was reportedly attacked at about 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in the Silvertown area of London.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following reports of the stabbing, but the 35-year-old musician was pronounced dead despite efforts to save his life.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command have since launched a homicide investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
Confirming the tragedy, Talay’s family released a statement expressing profound grief over his passing.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, passed away yesterday morning,” the family said.
They described him as a Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling songwriter whose talent, generosity and vibrant personality touched many lives.
The family also thanked friends, fans and well-wishers for the outpouring of support received since news of his death emerged.
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“We are deeply grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support that we have received through messages, calls and visits over the past hours,” the statement added.
Talay enjoyed a successful career spanning more than a decade in the music industry. He secured a publishing deal at the age of 18 and later signed with Jive/Sony Records after gaining recognition through his appearance on a 2009 single by British rapper Chip.
Known for his songwriting abilities, Talay worked with several major artists and contributed to numerous chart-topping records, earning recognition within the global R&B and pop music scenes.
His younger brother, acclaimed music producer Scribz Riley, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing Talay as a mentor, inspiration and a source of light to many people.
“My heart is shattered. This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream,” Scribz wrote.
He revealed that the brothers had spoken about the future and their plans shortly before Talay’s death, never imagining it would be their final 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. He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known,” he said.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the music industry, with artists including Stormzy and Craig David honouring Talay’s life and contributions to music.
Craig David, who collaborated with Talay on his 2018 album, The Time Is Now, joined fellow musicians and fans in mourning the loss of a respected songwriter whose influence extended far beyond the recording studio.
Police investigations into the killing are ongoing.