Tributes have poured in for Grammy winning singer and songwriter Talay Riley, the British Nigerian musician whose work helped shape some of the biggest pop and R&B records of the past decade.
Riley, whose real name was Mark Olayinka Orabiyi, died after a double stabbing in Silvertown, east London, on 5 June. The 35 year old was found with stab wounds in a garden on Rayleigh Road shortly after 9am and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. A second man, aged in his 20s, remains in hospital with multiple stab wounds. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Born to a Nigerian family and raised in the UK, Orabiyi built a successful career as a songwriter and artist, earning industry recognition for his work with some of the world’s biggest names. His songwriting credits included tracks for Dua Lipa, Zendaya, Khalid, H.E.R., Kehlani, FLO, Chip and The Chainsmokers. He contributed to Khalid’s hit Young Dumb & Broke and co wrote Lights On by H.E.R., which formed part of the Grammy winning project that helped cement his reputation as one of the industry’s most respected behind the scenes talents.
The news of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from across the music industry. Rapper Wretch 32 wrote: “Your brother was a gem and will be missed and never forgotten.” Stormzy, Oritsé Williams, Kehlani and Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan were among those who sent messages of support to his family.
His younger brother, producer and songwriter Scribz Riley, described himself as heartbroken in a moving social media tribute.
“My heart is shattered. This doesn’t feel real,” he wrote. “Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives.”
He added that his brother “loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness and spirit”, saying the wave of tributes reflected the impact he had on people around the world.
The Metropolitan Police said three people were arrested on suspicion of murder. A 27 year old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while a 24 year old man and a 25 year old woman have been released with no further action.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke said officers were continuing to investigate and appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have CCTV or other footage, to come forward.
For many fans and fellow artists, Talay Riley’s legacy will live on through the music he helped create. From chart hits to Grammy recognised projects, the British Nigerian songwriter leaves behind a catalogue that influenced modern pop and R&B across both sides of the Atlantic.
