British-Nigerian singer and songwriter has died after being stabbed in East London, police have confirmed, prompting a murder investigation.
The 35-year-old musician, whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was attacked on Pankhurst Avenue in the Silvertown area of East London. Emergency services were called to the scene but were unable to save him.
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement released on behalf of the family, relatives said they were devastated by the loss.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, passed away yesterday morning.”
The family described him as a Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist whose talent, humour and generosity touched many lives.
“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.
Talay Riley built a successful career in the R&B music industry spanning more than a decade. He secured a publishing deal with Global Publishing at the age of 18 and later signed with Jive/Sony Records after featuring on a single by rapper.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the music industry following news of his death.
His brother, music producer , paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing Talay as a mentor, inspiration and a “light in so many people’s lives”.
“My heart is shattered. This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream,” he wrote.
Scribz said the pair had spoken about their future plans shortly before Talay’s death, adding that he never imagined it would be their final 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. He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known.”
He added that Talay’s legacy would live on through his music, family, friends and the many people he inspired throughout his career.
Among those paying tribute were rapper and singer , who previously worked with Talay on his album The Time Is Now.
Police have not yet announced any arrests as investigations continue.
