Blab Music
Talay Riley, Grammy-winning songwriter, fatally stabbed in Londons Silvertown district
On a quiet morning in Silvertown, the music world lost a powerhouse. Talay Riley, the 35‑year‑old British‑Nigerian singer‑songwriter, was found dead in the garden of a residential property on Pankhurst Avenue, E16, on Friday 5 June 2026. The Metropolitan Police announced the fatality and are treating the case as a murder.
Riley, born Mark Olabanji A. Olayinka A. Orabiyi on 10 July 1990, was pronounced dead by paramedics shortly after police arrived at the scene around 09:00 BST. He had been stabbed multiple times, and the Metropolitan Police’s Murder Investigation Team is leading the inquiry.
Three people were arrested the morning of the incident. A 27‑year‑old man was released on bail pending further questioning, while a 24‑year‑old man and a 25‑year‑old woman were released with no further action. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is heading the investigation, urged anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward and to provide any CCTV or other footage that might assist the police.
Riley’s career began in the late 2000s. He first emerged as a songwriter in 2009 and, by 2013‑2015, was writing for artists such as Iggy Azalea, Usher, Nick Jonas, Pentatonix and Chris Brown. In 2016, Britney Spears recorded his song “Clumsy” for her album Glory, and Dua Lipa recorded “Last Dance” from his repertoire for her self‑titled album. His work earned him a Grammy Award in 2017 for writing H.E.R.’s “Lights On”, a track on her debut album that won the award that year.
He also performed as a recording artist. His 2011 single “Make You Mine” reached the UK Top 40, and he toured with acts including Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz. In the industry, he was known for his versatility across pop, R&B and hip‑hop.
In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Riley’s family described him as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend” who brought “love, light, and joy” to those around him. They added that his “kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent” would be remembered. Riley’s manager, Cleo Amedume, posted a tribute on Instagram, calling him a “Gem” and thanking the public for the outpouring of support.
The investigation remains active. The Metropolitan Police have appealed for witnesses and footage from the morning of the incident. No survivors have been identified, and the case is still classified as an ongoing homicide inquiry.
The death of Talay Riley has prompted tributes from peers and fans alike. Artists such as Stormzy and Wretch 32 have publicly mourned the loss of a fellow musician and collaborator. The incident has also highlighted the broader issue of knife crime in London, a concern that has prompted police and community groups to call for increased safety measures in residential areas.
At present, the Metropolitan Police have not released further details about the motive or the identity of the suspect beyond the initial arrests. The case will continue to be monitored by the Homicide and Major Crime Command, and any new evidence will be pursued under the framework of the UK’s criminal justice system.
The music community is awaiting further updates on the investigation and the potential impact on Riley’s unreleased work. No official statement has been issued regarding the handling of his catalog or any pending releases.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of artists working outside the spotlight and the importance of public cooperation in solving violent crimes. The Metropolitan Police remain committed to bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice.
Riley, born Mark Olabanji A. Olayinka A. Orabiyi on 10 July 1990, was pronounced dead by paramedics shortly after police arrived at the scene around 09:00 BST. He had been stabbed multiple times, and the Metropolitan Police’s Murder Investigation Team is leading the inquiry.
Three people were arrested the morning of the incident. A 27‑year‑old man was released on bail pending further questioning, while a 24‑year‑old man and a 25‑year‑old woman were released with no further action. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is heading the investigation, urged anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward and to provide any CCTV or other footage that might assist the police.
Riley’s career began in the late 2000s. He first emerged as a songwriter in 2009 and, by 2013‑2015, was writing for artists such as Iggy Azalea, Usher, Nick Jonas, Pentatonix and Chris Brown. In 2016, Britney Spears recorded his song “Clumsy” for her album Glory, and Dua Lipa recorded “Last Dance” from his repertoire for her self‑titled album. His work earned him a Grammy Award in 2017 for writing H.E.R.’s “Lights On”, a track on her debut album that won the award that year.
He also performed as a recording artist. His 2011 single “Make You Mine” reached the UK Top 40, and he toured with acts including Skepta, Usher and Trey Songz. In the industry, he was known for his versatility across pop, R&B and hip‑hop.
In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Riley’s family described him as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend” who brought “love, light, and joy” to those around him. They added that his “kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent” would be remembered. Riley’s manager, Cleo Amedume, posted a tribute on Instagram, calling him a “Gem” and thanking the public for the outpouring of support.
The investigation remains active. The Metropolitan Police have appealed for witnesses and footage from the morning of the incident. No survivors have been identified, and the case is still classified as an ongoing homicide inquiry.
The death of Talay Riley has prompted tributes from peers and fans alike. Artists such as Stormzy and Wretch 32 have publicly mourned the loss of a fellow musician and collaborator. The incident has also highlighted the broader issue of knife crime in London, a concern that has prompted police and community groups to call for increased safety measures in residential areas.
At present, the Metropolitan Police have not released further details about the motive or the identity of the suspect beyond the initial arrests. The case will continue to be monitored by the Homicide and Major Crime Command, and any new evidence will be pursued under the framework of the UK’s criminal justice system.
The music community is awaiting further updates on the investigation and the potential impact on Riley’s unreleased work. No official statement has been issued regarding the handling of his catalog or any pending releases.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of artists working outside the spotlight and the importance of public cooperation in solving violent crimes. The Metropolitan Police remain committed to bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice.
