London, en.SERU.co.id — Sad news has come from a British singer-songwriter who has worked with stars such as Britney Spears and Dua Lipa. Talay Riley (real name Mark Olayinka Orabiyi or Mark Orabiyi) was stabbed to death in Silvertown, East London, on Friday morning (5/6/2026). He was 35 years old.
Police were called to Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown around 9 a.m. Officers found him with multiple stab wounds in the garden of a property on Rayleigh Road. Paramedics tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead.
A man in his 20s was also stabbed in the incident. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Three people: two men aged 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman were arrested nearby on suspicion of murder. The investigation is ongoing.
Riley was a well-respected figure in the UK music industry. He wrote songs and provided backing vocals for major artists including Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, Zendaya, Khalid, Usher, Chip, and Craig David. He also released his own music and had a strong presence in the R&B and pop scenes.
His family paid tribute through a statement released via the police:
“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. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
His brother, producer Scribz Riley (Michael Orabiyi), posted an emotional message on Instagram:
“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future… I never imagined that would be our last conversation.”
He added that his brother was “a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives.”
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Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation for the Met Police, said:
“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones. 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.”
The case has once again highlighted concerns about knife crime in London. Police continue to appeal for witnesses.
*(Sources: LBC, Evening Standard, The Independent, The Sun, and family posts on Instagram)
