Talay Riley, British-Nigerian Grammy-winning singer, dies at 35 after stabbing in East London

British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Talay Riley has died following a knife attack in East London. The 35-year-old, whose real name is Yinka Mark Orabiyi, was stabbed on June 5, 2026.

Police said they responded to reports of a stabbing in Pankhurst Avenue, East London. Emergency services found the victim with several stab wounds in the garden of a property on Rayleigh Road. Despite paramedics' efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another man, in his 20s, was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds and remains in a non-life threatening condition. Two men, aged 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman were arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder. The 24-year-old man and the 25-year-old woman were released with no further action. The 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Talay Riley worked with artists such as Dua Lipa, Usher, Chipmunk, Craig David, Chris Brown, Nick Jonas, and Britney Spears on chart-topping songs.

His family paid tribute, saying: “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.”