Grammy-Winning Songwriter Talay Riley Fatally Stabbed in East London

A second man in his 20s was also found with multiple stab wounds and transported to a hospital.

Published: 6/9/2026, 11:58:16 PM EDT

Grammy-Winning Songwriter Talay Riley Fatally Stabbed in East London — Talay Riley attends the UK Film Premiere of The Karate Kid at Odeon Leicester Square on July 15, 2010 in London, England. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and recording artist Talay Riley was stabbed to death in the Silvertown neighborhood of east London on June 5, according to London's Metropolitan Police Service.

Riley, whose legal name was Mark "Yinka" Orabiyi, was 35 years old. According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called just after 9 a.m. following reports of a stabbing on Pankhurst Avenue in the E16 postal district.

Responding units from both the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service located Orabiyi with stab wounds in the garden of a property on the nearby Rayleigh Road. Paramedics worked to save him at the scene, but he was pronounced dead there.

A second man in his 20s was also found with multiple stab wounds and transported to a hospital. As of the department's statement, he remained hospitalized, though his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Riley's friend and manager, Cleo Amedume, confirmed the songwriter's death in a statement posted on Instagram. "It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark 'Yinka' Orabiyi professionally known as Talay Riley passed away yesterday morning," Amedume wrote. Amedume said that those who knew him personally would miss most "his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence.”

Riley made his mark on the music industry at a young age, signing his first major publishing deal with Global Publishing at 18, according to his IMDb biography. He went on to earn credits as a composer on films including "Vampire Academy" in 2014, "Spy" in 2015, and "Black Knight Decoded" in 2015.

British rapper Chip paid tribute to Riley on Instagram, reflecting on a friendship that stretched back to their days on pirate radio and Channel U. "You ain't deserve to go out like that fam," Chip wrote. "From pirate radio and Chanel U teens to #1 and platinum. Penaliens. We did that," he continued. "RIP Talay (Tension) Riley… Until we meet again."

In a statement provided through the Metropolitan Police, Riley's family remembered him as someone whose impact reached far beyond music. "Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him," his family said. "We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace."

Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of murder the same day as the stabbing. A 27-year-old man was then released on bail pending further investigation. A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action taken.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the Metropolitan Police's investigation, called it "a tragic incident" and issued an appeal for information. "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."

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101, referencing CAD 1868/5JUN, or reach Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. Video, images, or other relevant material may also be submitted through the Major Incident Information Portal.