A murder investigation is underway after British-Nigerian singer and Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley was fatally stabbed in East London on Friday morning, police have confirmed. He was 35.
The Metropolitan Police said emergency services were called at about 9:00 a.m. on June 5, 2026, following reports of a violent assault on Pankhurst Avenue in the Silvertown area. Officers responding to the scene found Riley, whose real name was Mark Olayinka Orabiyi, with multiple stab wounds in the garden of a nearby property on Rayleigh Road.
Despite efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, a man in his 20s, was also found with stab injuries and taken to hospital. Police said his condition is not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command made several arrests shortly after the incident. A 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, and a 25-year-old woman were detained on suspicion of murder.
Police later said the 24-year-old man and the woman have been released with no further action, while the 27-year-old suspect has been released on bail as inquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, described the killing as a “tragic incident” and appealed for witnesses and anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the area to come forward.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Riley built a respected career spanning more than a decade in the global music industry, transitioning from recording artist to internationally sought-after songwriter.
He first broke through in 2009, contributing to early UK hits including Chipmunk’s chart-topping “Oopsy Daisy” and “Look for Me,” after signing a publishing deal at just 18.
Riley later established himself as a behind-the-scenes force in pop and R&B, earning credits on major international records. His songwriting portfolio included collaborations with artists such as H.E.R., Khalid, Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, Usher, and Chris Brown, among others.
He was widely credited for co-writing major hits including H.E.R.’s “Lights On,” which contributed to Grammy recognition, and Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke,” one of the defining global tracks of its era.
News of his death has triggered widespread tributes from family, collaborators, and figures across the music industry.
In a statement, his family described him as a “beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend,” adding that he brought “love, light, and joy” to those around him.
His brother, producer and songwriter Scribz Riley, said he had spoken to him shortly before the attack, describing the loss as “unreal” and paying tribute to his influence as a mentor and inspiration.
Artists including Stormzy, Craig David, Kehlani, Wretch 32, Paloma Faith, and Estelle also shared tributes on social media, remembering Riley’s talent, humility, and creative impact.
Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack remain ongoing.
