British-Nigerian singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died after he was stabbed in east London.
Riley, whose real name was Mark Olabanji Olayinka Orabiyi, was found with stab wounds at an address in Silvertown on Friday, 5 June 2026. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to the scene at about 9am, but the 35-year-old was pronounced dead at the property.
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A second man, who is in his 20s, was also taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds. Police said his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Officers have not confirmed his relationship to Riley.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder after the incident. A 27-year-old man has been released on bail while enquiries continue. A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action.
No one has been charged at this stage.
Riley’s family is being supported by specialist officers. In a tribute, they described him as a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.
They said he brought love, light and joy to his family and to those who knew him. They also praised his kindness, warm spirit and talent, saying his memory would remain in their hearts.
Riley was born in London in 1990 and was of Nigerian heritage. He became known in the UK music scene as both a performer and a songwriter. At 18, he signed his first major publishing deal with Global Publishing before later joining Jive/Sony Records.
His early breakthrough came in 2009 when he appeared on a single by rapper Chip. He later co-wrote Chip’s UK number-one hit, “Oopsy Daisy”, a song that helped place him among the respected young writers in British music.
As his career developed, Riley became known for his work behind the scenes. His songwriting credits included tracks linked to major artists such as Zendaya, Britney Spears, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Craig David.
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He also toured with leading UK and US acts, including Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz. At the time of his death, he had about 76,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
His brother, Scribz Riley, whose real name is Michael Orabiyi, is also a British music producer and songwriter from London.
Tributes have continued to pour in from friends, fans and artists who worked with him.
Chip paid tribute on Instagram, saying Riley did not deserve to die in such a way. He praised his songwriting gift and said his work would live on.
The rapper also remembered their journey from the early days of pirate radio and Channel U to chart success, saying he would always cherish the memories they shared.
This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes also reacted to the tribute, remembering Riley as kind and friendly.
Craig David sent love to Riley’s family, while singer Deborah Cox said she was saddened by his death and described him as talented and lovely.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the murder investigation, said Riley’s death was a tragic incident and appealed for the public’s help.
She urged anyone who was in the Silvertown area on the morning of the stabbing to speak to police. Detectives are particularly interested in CCTV, dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage that could help the investigation.
Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 1868/5JUN. Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The stabbing happened before another violent incident in east London the following night. On Saturday, emergency services were called to River Road in Barking after a large fight.
Three men, aged 28, 23 and 22, were found with stab wounds and taken to hospital. The 22-year-old remained in a critical condition, while the other two men were later discharged and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police have not said the Barking incident is linked to Riley’s death.
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