•Late Talay Riley
British-Nigerian singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died after being stabbed in East London, prompting a murder investigation.
The 35-year-old artiste, born Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was attacked around 9 a.m. Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, according to the Newham Recorder.
Emergency services responded but he died at the scene, reports The Nation.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command are investigating the killing.
Riley’s family confirmed his death on Instagram and said he would be remembered publicly for his talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artiste.
They said that to those who knew him personally, his humour, generous spirit and presence would be missed most.
The family thanked the public for an outpouring of love and support.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi professionally known as Talay Riley passed away yesterday morning.
“Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award winning, multi platinum selling songwriter & artist.
“For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.
“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. Thank you for your continued consideration and sensitivity at what is a devastating time for us all”, the statement reads.
His brother, music producer Scribz Riley, also posted a tribute describing him as a mentor, inspiration and a light in many people’s lives.
Scribz said his heart was shattered and that the loss did not feel real, noting that they had spoken about the future and staying positive hours before Riley’s death.
He added that Riley had one of the purest hearts he knew, loved deeply, gave freely and impacted many lives through his talent, kindness and spirit.
“I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that in the morning of Friday 5th June my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away.
“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. 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. 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 loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit. The outpouring of love already shows how many lives he impacted. You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue to live on through your music, your family, your friends, and everyone blessed enough to have known you. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and my family, we appreciate you all.
“Even with everything you accomplished this was far too soon. I love you brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in paradise Yinka. Until we meet again”, he wrote.
He said Riley’s legacy would live on through his music, family, friends and everyone who knew him.
Riley built a career spanning more than a decade in R&B and also secured a publishing deal at 18 and later signed to Jive/Sony Records after featuring on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 single.
He also collaborated with Craig David on his 2018 album The Time Is Now.
Tributes have been paid by Stormzy and other artistes.
