By Mumo Judah, June 9, 2026
Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Talay Riley, born Mark “Yinka” Orabiyi, has died after being fatally stabbed in Silvertown, East London, in an incident that has shocked the global music industry and prompted a major murder investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police.
Police confirmed that the 35-year-old musician was found with critical stab wounds in a residential garden on Rayleigh Road on Friday morning, June 5, 2026, at around 9:00 a.m. Emergency responders from the London Ambulance Service attended the scene, but Riley was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
A second man, believed to be in his 20s, was also injured during the attack. He was rushed to hospital and is reported to have survived the incident.
Metropolitan Police have since launched a full-scale murder investigation, with detectives treating the case as a priority due to the circumstances surrounding the attack and the public profile of the victim.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, said officers are working urgently to piece together the events leading up to the killing and have appealed for members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist the inquiry.
“We are particularly interested in any CCTV footage, doorbell recordings, or dashcam video captured in the Silvertown area on the morning of June 5. Even the smallest detail could be critical to this investigation,” she said.
Police also confirmed that three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. However, one 27-year-old man has since been released on bail pending further inquiries, while the remaining two suspects were released without charge.
Riley, widely respected in the global music industry as both an artist and songwriter, had built an acclaimed career behind the scenes, contributing to a string of international hits and collaborations with top-tier artists.
He was best known for co-writing H.E.R.’s Grammy-winning track Lights On and had also worked on major records for artists including Dua Lipa, Khalid, Britney Spears, Zendaya, and Nick Jonas, earning recognition as one of the industry’s most versatile and influential songwriters.
Following news of his death, tributes have poured in from across the music world, with artists, collaborators, and fans expressing shock and grief over the violent loss.
His brother, music producer Michael Orabiyi, known professionally as Scribz Riley, paid an emotional tribute on social media.
“My heart is shattered. This doesn’t feel real. He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit,” he wrote.
UK artists also joined in mourning. Rapper Stormzy responded to the family’s announcement with a brief message saying, “I’m sorry bro,” while Wretch 32 described Riley as “a gem who will be missed and never forgotten.”
Other international musicians, including Kehlani, Craig David, Ella Mai, and Paloma Faith, also shared messages of condolence and called for swift justice.
As the investigation continues, police have urged anyone with relevant information to assist detectives as they work to establish the motive and identify those responsible for the attack that has left the music world in mourning.
