The music industry is mourning the loss of Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Talay Riley, who died following a stabbing incident in East London.

The 35-year-old artiste, born Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was reportedly attacked in the Silvertown area on Friday morning. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful. Authorities have since launched a murder investigation as detectives work to establish what led to the fatal attack. 

News of his death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, where Riley was widely respected for both his musical talent and his contribution to the careers of other artists.

In a statement, his family described his passing as a heartbreaking loss. They remembered him as a gifted creative whose impact stretched far beyond the recording studio, touching the lives of friends, colleagues and fans alike. 

Riley built a career that spanned more than a decade after breaking into the industry as a teenager. Over the years, he worked alongside several internationally recognised performers and earned a reputation as a versatile songwriter and performer. 

Since the news emerged, tributes have continued to pour in from across the music world. Fellow artistes, industry figures and admirers have taken to social media to celebrate his life, talent and the positive influence he had on those around him. 

His younger brother, Scribz Riley, was among those who paid tribute, describing him as a source of guidance and inspiration. Other prominent figures in the British music scene also expressed their sadness over the loss. 

Police investigations remain ongoing, and no arrests had been announced at the time of reporting.