Nigerian-British singer and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Mark Yinka Orabiyi, popularly known as Talay Riley, has died after being stabbed in East London. He was 35.
The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, according to the Newham Recorder.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but Riley could not be saved.
Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation.
–Family confirms death–
In a statement Monday, Riley’s family described their loss as “overwhelming sadness”.
“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 be fondly remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling songwriter and artist. For those that knew and loved him personally, it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”
The family thanked the public for the “enormous outpouring of love and support through messages, calls and visits” and asked for “continued consideration and sensitivity at what is a devastating time for us all.”
–A decade shaping R&B–
Talay, brother of music producer Scribz Riley, spent more than 10 years shaping contemporary R&B.
He broke into the industry at 18 after signing a publishing deal with Global Publishing.
His career gained traction with a feature on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 single, followed by a deal with Jive/Sony Records.
He later toured the UK and US alongside Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz, and collaborated with Kehlani, H.E.R., Khalid and US group 2BYG.
His songwriting and vocal credits earned him Grammy recognition and multiple platinum plaques.
Police have not released details on suspects or motive. Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Metropolitan Police.
