Musicians are mourning the death of Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley after he was identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing in London last week.
Riley, whose real name was 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 news 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 and posted 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.”
“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 got to experience a friendship like that.”
Three people have been arrested in the homicide investigation into Riley’s death. Police did not identify the suspects but said they were a 24-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman.
The other man injured in the stabbing is expected to recover.
Joanna Yorke, the inspector leading the investigation, urged anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the stabbing 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,” Yorke said.
