Mark Yinka Orabiyi, known professionally as Talay Riley the acclaimed Nigerian-British singer and songwriter has died at the age of 35 following a fatal stabbing in East London.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, as reported by the Newham Recorder. Emergency services responded to the scene, but despite their efforts, the Grammy winner could not be saved.
Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s specialist crime command have since launched a murder investigation. Riley’s family confirmed his passing in a statement, describing their loss as an overwhelming sadness.
They remembered Talay not only for his professional accolades but also for his humor, generous spirit, and unmistakable presence. It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, passed away yesterday morning, the statement read.
Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. For those who knew and loved him personally, it is his humour, generous spirit, and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”
The family also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of public support: “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.
Talay Riley, the brother of music producer Scribz Riley, spent more than a decade shaping the R&B genre. He broke into the industry at 18 after signing a publishing deal with Global Publishing, later gaining recognition with a feature on Chipmunk’s 2009 single and a recording contract with Jive/Sony Records.
Over the years, Riley toured across the UK and US with artists like Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz, and collaborated with international acts such as Kehlani, H.E.R., Khalid, and 2BYG.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Scribz Riley, born Michael Orabiyi Riley, wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately, I can confirm that on 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.
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.
Fellow artists, including Stormzy, offered condolences, while Craig David—who worked with Talay on his 2018 album ‘The Time is Now’—wrote, Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side.
Below are notable songs by Talay Riley:
