Musicians are mourning Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley after he was identified as a victim of a fatal stabbing in London last week.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Riley, whose real name is Mark Orabiyi, was one of two people stabbed in an incident in the West Ham area of London on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Authorities identified him in a Sunday press release that included a statement from his family.“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend,” the family statement said.
“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.” Riley, 35, was a prolific songwriter credited on singles from Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Iggy Azalea, Jason Derulo, and Tinie Tempah.
He worked on “Lights On” with H.E.R., which was featured on her Grammy-winning 2017 album.Riley’s younger brother, producer Scribz Riley, wrote a touching tribute on Instagram with a carousel of photos.
He described his last conversation with his brother about “the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do.”Scribz Riley thanked people who reached out and noted that the “outpouring of love” following Riley’s death is emblematic of his impact on others.“He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known,” Scribz Riley wrote.“He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit.” A number of celebrities left comments on the post to offer condolences, including Stormzy and Leigh Anne Pinnock.
British singer and producer Kamille wrote that her heart was broken and that “this just isn’t fair” in a comment on the post.“I can’t believe he’s gone,” she wrote.“Every time I saw him he would lift me up, encourage me, adlib with me, make me remember why we sing and why we create.
I’m so grateful I even ...