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The singer-songwriter Talay Riley, who has written songs for Dua Lipa, Britney Spears and HER, among others, died in a knife attack in East London last week. He was 35 years old.
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, Riley (real name Mark “Yinka” Orabiyi) was found with stab wounds in a garden at around 9am local time last Friday, June 5. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim of the attack, a man in his 20s, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Police arrested three people on suspicion of killing Orabiyi. One has been released on bail while investigations continue; the other two were released without further action. An investigator from London’s Metropolitan Police said the investigation was “progressing rapidly” and asked anyone who may have been in the area or who may have security camera footage to come forward with information.
Family confirms Riley’s death
In a statement posted on Instagram, Riley’s family and manager Cleo Amedume confirmed his death. “Talay will be remembered by those who knew him in public for his incredible talent as a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling songwriter and artist. Those who knew and loved him personally will miss his humor, generous spirit and unmistakable presence above all else.”
Riley’s best-known songwriting credits include Dua Lipa’s 2016 single “Last Dance,” Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke,” and HER’s “Lights On.” The latter earned him his Grammy: The track appeared on HER’s 2017 self-titled debut album, which won Best R&B Album at the 61st Grammy Awards. Riley also contributed to Jessie J’s “Who’s Laughing Now,” Britney Spears’ “Clumsy,” Jason Derulo’s “If It Ain’t Love” and Nick Jonas’ “Levels.”
Riley’s breakthrough as a songwriter and performer came in 2009 through his collaboration with grime MC Chip. Riley co-wrote and featured on several songs on Chip’s debut album I Am Chipmunk, including “Look for Me”, which peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. A few years later, Riley scored a minor hit of his own with “Make You Mine,” which appeared on his 2011 mixtape “Going to California.”
New album in planning
Even after his songwriting career took off, Riley continued to release his own music. He regularly released new tracks online and recently appeared to be on the verge of releasing a new album based on his recent social media posts.
He also remained active as a songwriter. He contributed to Paloma Faith’s 2024 album “The Glorification of Sadness”, Kelala’s 2025 album “In the Blue Light” and Kehlani’s current self-titled album. He also worked closely with the up-and-coming British girl group Flo and received a Grammy nomination for his contribution to their debut album “Access All Areas”.
Riley’s brother Michael Orabiyi – himself a well-known songwriter under the name Scribz Riley – posted an obituary on Instagram: “He had one of the purest hearts I have ever known. He loved deeply, gave generously and touched countless people through his talent, his kindness and his spirit. The outpouring of condolence already shows how many lives he shaped. You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue through your music, your family, your friends and everyone who was lucky enough to know you. live on.”
Tributes from Stormzy and Khalid
In the comments under Michael’s posts, many of Riley’s companions and colleagues expressed their condolences, including Stormzy, Kehlani, Khalid and Ella Mai.