Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer Talay Riley stabbed to death in London

Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died after he was reportedly stabbed in East London, prompting a murder investigation by UK authorities.

 

According to local media reports, Talay, whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was attacked around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, East London.

 

Emergency services responded to the scene, but the 35-year-old musician was pronounced dead despite efforts to save him.

 

The Metropolitan Police said homicide detectives from its Specialist Crime Command have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

 

His family confirmed his death in a statement, expressing grief over the loss of the singer.

 

“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 and artist whose humour, generosity and presence touched many lives.

 

The family also thanked the public for the support received since news of his death emerged.

 

“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 built a successful career in the music industry spanning more than a decade. He secured a publishing deal with Global Publishing at the age of 18 and later signed with Jive/Sony Records after featuring on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 single.

 

He was also the brother of renowned music producer Scribz Riley.

 

In a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram, Scribz described Talay as more than a brother, calling him 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,” he wrote.

 

“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 added that Talay’s legacy would continue through his music and the countless people he inspired during his lifetime.

 

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the music industry, with rapper Stormzy and singer Craig David among those expressing condolences.

 

Craig David had previously collaborated with Talay on his 2018 album, The Time Is Now.

 

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death are ongoing.