British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Talay Riley, born Mark Orabiyi, has died at the age of 35 following a stabbing in Silvertown, East London.
Police were called to the Pankhurst Avenue area at around 9:00 a.m. on June 5, 2026, following reports of a stabbing.
Officers found Riley with stab wounds in the garden of a property on nearby Rayleigh Road, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man, believed to be in his twenties, was also taken to the hospital with stab injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Three people were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 27-year-old man was later released on bail pending further enquiries, while a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released without further action.
The Metropolitan Police investigation remains ongoing, and no motive has been publicly disclosed.
Beyond his solo recording career, Riley built an extraordinary reputation as a behind-the-scenes architect of some of modern pop’s most recognisable moments.
He co-wrote Khalid’s breakout anthem Young Dumb & Broke as well as Who Do You Love, and his pen touched recordings by Britney Spears, Craig David, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, and Tinie Tempah, among others.
His ability to move fluidly across genres, from R&B to pop to UK urban, made him a sought-after collaborator on both sides of the Atlantic.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry.
Stormzy, Craig David, Khalid, and Kehlani were among the artistes who publicly mourned his passing, reflecting the deep personal and professional bonds Riley had forged throughout his career.
