Grammy-Winning Songwriter Talay Riley Dies at 35 After London Stabbing

Grammy-winning British songwriter Talay Riley, widely recognized for his work creating hits for artists such as Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, has died at 35 after a stabbing in East London.

The Metropolitan Police identified Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, as one of two individuals who were stabbed at a property in the Silvertown neighborhood on June 5, according to a news release.

“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend,” his family said in a statement. “He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him.

“We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent,” they continued. “His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever.”

Officers responded to reports of a 35-year-old man who was stabbed in Pankhurst Avenue at 9 a.m. Despite life-saving efforts by paramedics, Riley was pronounced dead at the scene. A homicide investigation was launched as a result.

“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones,” said Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation.

“Our investigation continues at pace. I would like to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to speak to police,” Yorke said.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation.”

In the hours following the incident, police confirmed that two men, ages 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman were detained on suspicion of murder but later released.

“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream,” his brother, Michael Orabiyi, wrote on social media. “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 loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit.”

With a career spanning over a decade, Riley wrote his first song at age 17 before signing with Jive Records in 2009. His skills took him to Los Angeles, where he recorded material with Rodney Jerkins and Ryan Tedder.

Riley went on to contribute on projects involving major artists including Usher, Craig David, Khalid, Zendaya and H.E.R., proving his versatility across the pop, R&B and dance genres.

In 2019, Riley earned his Grammy nod for the song “Lights On” by H.E.R., which appeared on the singer’s self-titled compilation album. The project won Best R&B Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.

His other songwriting credits include Lipa’s breakthrough single “Last Dance,” “Clumsy” by Britney Spears, Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke,” and the global dance hit “Like I Do” by David Guetta, Martin Garrix and Brooks, among others.