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Singer-songwriter Talay Riley, who collaborated with artists including Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, has died at the age of 35 after being stabbed in east London, police have confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police said Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was found with stab wounds in Silvertown on Friday and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Riley was known as a Grammy-winning songwriter and had worked with several major international artists, including Ellie Goulding and Zendaya, and had also toured with Usher. He had nearly 77,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Tributes have poured in from family, friends and figures in the music industry.
His brother, rapper Scribz Riley (Michael Orabiyi), described him as a “friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives,” saying their last conversation was about plans and staying positive.
Artists including Stormzy, Kehlani, Wretch 32, Craig David and Paloma Faith also paid tribute on social media, describing him as a talented and kind individual whose loss is deeply felt.
Riley received a writing credit on the song Lights On from H.E.R.’s self-titled album, which won a Grammy Award in 2019.
Police said a second man in his 20s was also injured in the incident and remains in hospital in a non-life-threatening condition.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder, with one later released on bail, while two others were released without further action.