British singer-songwriter Thalay Rileywho wrote songs for artists including Dua Lipa, Britney Spears again Zendayawas stabbed to death in London on Friday, June 5, the Metropolitan Police said. He was 35 years old.
Police were called early Friday morning to an address in Silvertown, east London, to investigate an alleged stabbing.
Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds, the Met Police said.
Three suspects – two men aged 27 and 24 and a 25-year-old woman – have been arrested on suspicion of murder, the department said. The 27-year-old suspect has been released on bail pending investigation. The other two people who were arrested were released without further movement.
“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He brought love, light and joy to our family and to all who knew him,” Riley's family said in a statement.
“We will always be grateful for his kindness, good spirit and amazing talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will live in our hearts forever,” the family said. “May his soul rest in complete peace.”
Riley's songwriting credits include Zendaya's “Close Up,” Dua Lipa's “Last Dance” and Spears' “Clumsy.” He has also written for the likes of UK rapper Stormzy, Craig David, Chris Brown, Khalid and more.
There's something special about the bond between teenage pop sensibilities and their fan bases, which is tragically highlighted when a singer dies young. After One Direction alum Liam Payne died aged 31 in October 2024 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, fans flocked to the scene […]
Riley's brother, a music producer Scribz Riley (real name Michael Orabiyi), paid tribute to the singer-songwriter on Saturday, June 6, posted on Instagram.
“My heart is broken! This doesn't feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he fell asleep we talked about the future, staying positive about everything we still had to do,” he wrote. “I never thought that would be our last conversation. Yinka was more than just a brother. He was a mother's son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in the lives of so many people. He had the purest heart I've ever known. He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people with his talent, kindness, and spirit.”
Scribz added, “The outpouring of love just shows how many lives have been touched. You have inspired so many people and your legacy will live on through your music, your family, your friends, and everyone you have been blessed to know. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you all.”
Stormzy and Khalid are among the people who commented on Scribz's post.
“I'm sorry bro ❤️❤️❤️,” Stormzy wrote. Khalid added, “I'm so sorry bro … sending you so much love 🕊️.”
A musician Come down he wrote, “Big hugs scribz I'm so sorry.”
