The singer-songwriter Talay Riley, who wrote hits for Britney Spears, Tinie Tempah and Craig David, was stabbed to death in Silvertown, east London, on the morning of 5 June. The 35-year-old, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was found with stab wounds by paramedics in the garden of a property on Rayleigh Road and pronounced dead at the scene.
His brother Michael Orabiyi, a record producer known as Scribz Riley, posted a devastating tribute on Instagram. “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,” he wrote. “He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit. He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known.”
“Singer-songwriter Talay Riley, 35, stabbed to death in east London; Stormzy among those paying tribute.”
The rapper Stormzy commented on the post: “I’m sorry bro.” JLS singer Oritsé Williams added: “Sending you and your family strength and prayers in Jesus name my brother.” Wretch 32 wrote: “Sending love to you + your family bro. Your brother was a gem + will be missed + never forgotten, Never! RIP.” Others paying tribute included Khalid, Kehlani and HER, all of whom had worked with Riley.
Riley signed his first major publishing deal with Global Publishing at 18 and went on to write Chip’s UK number one Oopsy Daisy. His extensive songwriting credits also included tracks for Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, the Chainsmokers, and Khalid’s Young Dumb & Broke. He was pictured at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles in 2016.
Police were called at about 9am on Friday to reports that a man had been stabbed in Pankhurst Avenue, Silvertown. Three people were arrested on 5 June on suspicion of murder. The investigation continues.