Talay Riley, the British singer-songwriter born Mark Orabiyi, was stabbed to death at an address in Silvertown, East London, on the morning of June 5th. He was 35. Emergency services found him at the scene around 9am and he was pronounced dead there. Another man in his twenties was also stabbed and remains in hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder — one released on bail, two released with no further action.
Behind the scenes, Riley had shaped records that reached far beyond his own name. He co-wrote Chip‘s UK number one “Oopsy Daisy,” and his songwriting credits extended to Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, and Craig David. He signed his first major publishing deal at 18 and went on to tour alongside Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz, with 76,000 monthly Spotify listeners at the time of his death.
Following the announcement from his family, Chip took to Instagram to share his tribute, capturing both the friendship and the loss of a mate: “You ain’t deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro. Your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life… From pirate radio and Channel U teens to number one and platinum. Penaliens. We did that.” Stormzy also wrote: “I’m sorry bro,” with Craig David saying Riley’s energy would “continue to be felt.” Rochelle Humes remembered his kindness and his smile.
His brother, songwriter Scribz Riley, confirmed his death on Instagram with a tribute that was hard to read. “Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive, and about everything we still had left to do,” he wrote. “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. Even with everything you accomplished this was far too soon.”
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The Metropolitan Police investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who has appealed for witnesses and CCTV footage from the area around the time of the incident. He also stated, “This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones.
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
