Talay Riley, award-winning songwriter and Martin Garrix, Tiësto collaborator, killed in London stabbing
Stormzy and Craig David are among the artists who have paid tribute to the singer-songwriter
Talay Riley, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who worked with artists including Martin Garrix and Tiësto, has been killed in a fatal stabbing.
The 35-year-old artist, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was discovered with stab wounds in a garden in the Silvertown area of East London shortly after 9AM (BST) on Friday, 5th June. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, a man in his 20s, is being treated for multiple stab wounds but his injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, police have said.
In a tribute, Orabiyi’s family wrote: “Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. 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.”
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of his murder. A 27-year-old man was released on bail pending further enquiries, while a man aged 24, and a woman aged 25, have been released with no further action.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Metropolitan Police, said in a statement : “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. 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.”
Orabiyi contributed vocals on Tiësto ’s 2017 track, ‘Harder’, as well as co-writing Martin Garrix and David Guetta ’s 2018 collaboration with Brooks, ‘Like I Do’. His other songwriting credits include work with Dua Lipa, Usher, Kelela, Wilkinson, Chip, and many more.
The late artist’s brother, Michael Orabiyi (also known as songwriter Scribz Riley) wrote on Instagram that his heart was “shattered”, paying tribute “a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives”.
The two brothers won their first Grammy together for co-writing the 2020 H.E.R. track, ‘Lights On’.
Tributes have been paid by fellow artists, including Craig David, who worked with Talay on his 2018 album, ‘The Time Is Now’. He wrote, “so much love to you & the family,” and remembered the late artist as having a “beautiful energy”.
Meanwhile, Stormzy took to social media to offer his condolences, while Kehlani wrote, “big hugs scribz I’m so sorry”.
