Talay Rileythe Grammy Award-winning composer for his musical creations, died at 35 years old after being stabbed in London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the homicide and detailed how the investigationwhile the artist’s family expressed their pain on social networks after the tragic death.
On Friday 5 June at 9am emergency services were alerted to an incident on Pankhurst Avenue, with reports that a man had been stabbed.
The paramedics went to the place of events and they found Talay with stab wounds in a garden of a home in Silvertown, near Rayleigh Road, located in the east of the British capital.
After several resuscitation attempts at the crime scene, he was taken to a hospital, where his death was confirmed. Another man, 20 years old, was also injured and suffered stab wounds and was taken to hospital, but his injuries were not life-threatening.
«It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi known professionally as Talay Riley, passed away on Friday morning,» they said in a statement signed by the Orabiyi family that was published on their Instagram account.
«Talay will be fondly remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling songwriter and artist,» they said.
«For those who knew and loved him personally, know that his humor, generous spirit, and unmistakable presence are what we will miss most,» they continued.
«We are deeply grateful for the love and support we have received through messages, calls and visits in recent hours. Thank you for your continued consideration and sensitivity at this devastating time for all of us,» they said amid the flood of condolences.
«Mark was a dear son, brother, uncle and friend.. He brought love, light and joy to our family and to all who knew him. We will always fondly remember his kindness, his beautiful spirit, and his extraordinary talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in peace,» they concluded.
Mark Orabiyi, known as Talay Riley: a rising career and an unexplained murder
Born as Mark Orabiyiknown by his stage name Talay Riley, began his musical career at a very young age and signed his first publishing contract at the age of 18.
In a short time he became famous as one of the most respected composers in the United Kingdom. Although he kept a low profile, behind the scenes he worked with top-level artists: Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Chris , Usher, Nick Jonas, Khalid y Craig Davidamong many others.
Riley co-wrote the song «Clumsy» for Britney, which the Princess of Pop included on her studio album Glory (2016). The song was composed together with Warren Felder and Alex Niceforo.
Other great hits that were possible thanks to Riely’s talent are: «Who’s Laughing Now» in the voice of Jessie J; Khalid’s «Young Dumb & Broke»; and «Last Dance» by Dua Lipa.
The investigation into the murder remains active, pending forensic results. «This is a tragic event and my thoughts are with Mark’s family and loved ones,» said Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke.
«Our investigation continues to progress apace. I would like to ask anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact police, anyone who has CCTV footage or other recordings from the morning of the incident,» Yorke said.
Police confirmed that there are three suspects in connection with the homicide: a 24-year-old man; another 27-year-old man, who was released on bail while investigations continue; and a 25-year-old woman, also free until further action is taken.
The context of the murder and the previous confrontation that included five people in a striking fatal incident are still unknown: the deceased artist, the 20-year-old young man who was injured and the three arrested who were later released.
