Entertainment
UK-based Nigerian singer Talay Riley murdered in London
Mark Yinka Orabiyi, the Nigerian-British singer and songwriter popularly known as Talay Riley, has died at the age of 35 after he was reportedly stabbed in East London.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, according to local media reports.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the Grammy-winning artist could not be saved.
Detectives from the specialist crime command have launched a murder investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
Talay’s death was also confirmed in a statement released by his family. They described their loss as an “overwhelming sadness”.
The family remembered Riley not only for his professional accomplishments but for his character.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi professionally known as Talay Riley passed away yesterday morning,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The family also expressed gratitude for the public’s support following the tragedy.
“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,” the statement added.
“Thank you for your continued consideration and sensitivity at what is a devastating time for us all.”
Talay, the brother of music producer Scribz Riley, spent more than a decade shaping the R&B genre.
He first broke into the industry at 18 after signing a publishing deal with Global Publishing.
His career gained momentum with a feature on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 single, followed by a signing with Jive/Sony Records.
Over the years, he toured the UK and the US alongside artists such as Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz, and collaborated with Kehlani, H.E.R., Khalid, and the rising US group 2BYG.
Tributes have poured in for Talay.
Joining the fray, Scribz, born Michael Orabiyi Riley, penned an emotional tribute to his older sibling 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Notable singers, including Stormzy, took to the comment section to write “I’m sorry bro”.
Craig David, who worked with Talay on his 2018 album ‘The Time is Now,’ said: “Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side.”
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