Tributes have been paid to artist and songwriter Talay Riley, who has died in a stabbing in London. He was 35.
Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, worked on tracks for acts including Flo, Dua Lipa, Jessie J, H.E.R. and Ella Mai. One of his early co-writes was Chipmunk’s Oopsy Daisy, which peaked at No.1.
Artists to pay tribute on social media include Stormzy, Wretch 32 and Sugababes’ Keisha Buchanan.
Record producer and songwriter Scribz Riley (Michael Orabiyi) paid tribute to his older brother.
"The outpouring of love already shows how many lives he impacted,” he wrote. “You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue to live on through your music..."
"Talay was a brilliantly talented artist, songwriter, collaborator, and creator whose passion for music shone through every lyric and melody he crafted,” said a statement from PRS For Music. “A true hitmaker, he lent his incredible vision to unforgettable tracks for artists including Khalid, FLO, Chipmunk, and Dua Lipa to name a few. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Riley worked on FLO’s album Access All Areas, which was nominated for a Grammy at this year’s ceremony.
He died of stab wounds after being discovered in a garden in Silvertown on June 5.
Police are continuing their investigation. Following three arrests, two people have been released with no further action and one 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
