Tributes have been paid from across the music world after singer-songwriter Talay Riley was stabbed to death in London.
The artist was aged just 35, and was found in the garden of a property in Silvertown, Newham. Police were called to the scene after reports were phoned in, claiming that a stabbing had taken place at around 9am on Friday.
Police confirmed that the songwriter, real name Mark Orabiyi, died at the scene, and a second man also suffered stab wounds. The latter remains in hospital at the time of writing, and his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
Officers revealed that three people were arrested on suspicion of murder. A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action after questioning, and a 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further inquiries, as per Sky News.
In a statement confirming his passing, Orabiyi’s family 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, artist Scribz Riley, also shared a tribute saying that his “heart is shattered” by the news.
“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,” he added, describing his sibling as a “friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives”.
“He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit,” he added.
Talay Riley was a solo artist who toured alongside artists including Usher, and also a renowned songwriter – previously working with huge names like Britney Spears, Ellie Goulding, Zendaya and Dua Lipa.
Tributes have also come in from fellow artists, with Craig David – who worked with Talay on his 2018 album ‘The Time Is Now’ – sending “so much love to you & the family” and recalling the late artist having a “beautiful energy”.
Stormzy took to social media to say he was “sorry” for the loss, while Kehlani wrote “big hugs scribz I’m so sorry”.
Khalid shared a similar message, saying that he was “so sorry” and “sending so much love” to Riley’s family, while longtime collaborator Chip shared his sadness at the news.
“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. RIP Talay Riley. I’ll cherish the memories forever fam. Prayers and thoughts go out to your family,” Chip wrote.
Le talentueux parolier Talay Riley, de son vrai nom Mark Olayinka Orabiyi, nous a quittés à l’âge de 35 ans.
Il a écrit pour Khalid, Dua Lipa, Chris Brown, Ella Mai, FLO, Kehlani, Ariana Grande, H.E.R., ZAYN, Nick Jonas, Britney Spears etc…
RIP 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ltFIFWq8q2
— R&B Home 🎶 (@RnBHomeMusics) June 6, 2026
Record label Position Music described Riley as “an extraordinary songwriter, artist, and creative whose impact on music will be felt for generations”, and said that he will “be remembered for his creativity, passion, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to work with him.”
Rapper Wretch 32 shared a message too, writing on Scribz’s Instagram post: “Sending love to you & your family bro. Your brother was a gem & will be missed & never forgotten, Never! RIP.”
Sasha Keable also commented, writing: “Sending you so much love babe, he was such an inspiration for me and so many others. rest in paradise,” while Sugababes’ Keisha Buchanan added: “Sending my condolences and prayers”.
Hit songs he helped pen include The Chainsmokers’ ‘Who Do You Love’, Khalid’s ‘Young Dumb & Broke’, ‘Kehlani’s Out The Window’ and FLO’s ‘Walk Like This’. He also co-wrote the H.E.R. song ‘Lights On’, which appeared on her 2017 Grammy Award-winning self-titled album.
