Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died at the age of 35 after a fatal stabbing in East London.
According to reports from local media, the incident occurred on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown on Friday morning. Emergency services responded to the scene at about 9am, but the musician could not be revived.
Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation into the killing.
Talay’s family confirmed his death in a statement, describing their loss as one of “overwhelming sadness”.
The family said he would be remembered publicly for his achievements as a Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. They added that those closest to him would miss his humour, generosity and distinctive personality.
“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 family said.
Born Mark Yinka Orabiyi, Talay Riley built a successful career spanning more than a decade in the music industry. He secured his first publishing deal at the age of 18 and later gained wider recognition after featuring on a 2009 single by British rapper Chipmunk before signing with Jive/Sony Records.
Throughout his career, he toured extensively in the United Kingdom and the United States and collaborated with leading artists across the R&B and contemporary music scene.
Talay also worked alongside performers including Skepta, Usher, Trey Songz, Kehlani, H.E.R., Khalid and the emerging US group 2BYG.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the music industry following news of his death.
His younger brother, music producer Scribz Riley, paid an emotional tribute on social media, describing Talay as a mentor, inspiration and a light in the lives of many people.
“My heart is shattered,” he wrote. “This doesn’t feel real.”
Several artists also expressed condolences to the family, with fellow musicians remembering Talay for both his talent and positive influence on those around him.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing remain under investigation.
Notable figures mentioned in reports and tributes include Talay Riley, Scribz Riley, Stormzy and Craig David.
