Talay Riley, songwriter for Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, killed in stabbing

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Talay Riley, songwriter for Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, stabbed to death

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Updated: 11:05 AM MDT Jun 9, 2026

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Talay Riley, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, has died following a stabbing in London. He was 35. According to a statement from London’s Metropolitan Police, Riley, whose real name is Mark Orabiyi, was stabbed on Friday night. He was found laying in a garden in east London, police said, and was pronounced dead at the scene.A second victim, identified only as a man in his 20s, was also found nearby with stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital for treatment with non-life-threatening injuries. “Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him,” a statement from Riley’s family reads in part.Riley was well known in the music industry as a behind-the-scenes hitmaker, working with the likes of Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Nick Jonas, H.E.R, Khalid, Usher and more. Some of his biggest credits include Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance” and H.E.R’s “Lights On,” the latter which earned him a Grammy.Riley’s friend and manager, Cleo Amedume, also released a statement on his death, saying in part, “Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.” Officials said three people were initially arrested on suspicion of murder in connection to the case. One of the individuals was released on bail, while the two others were released with no further action taken, according to Metro police.The investigation into Riley’s death is ongoing.

Talay Riley, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, has died following a stabbing in London.

He was 35.

According to a statement from London’s Metropolitan Police, Riley, whose real name is Mark Orabiyi, was stabbed on Friday night.

He was found laying in a garden in east London, police said, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second victim, identified only as a man in his 20s, was also found nearby with stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital for treatment with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him,” a statement from Riley’s family reads in part.

Riley was well known in the music industry as a behind-the-scenes hitmaker, working with the likes of Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Nick Jonas, H.E.R, Khalid, Usher and more.

Some of his biggest credits include Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance” and H.E.R’s “Lights On,” the latter which earned him a Grammy.

Riley’s friend and manager, Cleo Amedume, also released a statement on his death, saying in part, “Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”

Officials said three people were initially arrested on suspicion of murder in connection to the case. One of the individuals was released on bail, while the two others were released with no further action taken, according to Metro police.

The investigation into Riley’s death is ongoing.





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