A Grammy-winning British musician who worked with major stars including Zendaya, Dua Lipa and Britney Spears was found fatally stabbed in London last week.
Mark Orabiyi, 35, who performed under the stage name Talay Riley, was found in a garden in east London on the morning of Friday, June 5, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Officers had been called to the scene after receiving a report of a stabbing. Orabiyi was rushed to a hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Police said another victim, a man in his 20s, was also stabbed. He remains hospitalized, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Three people were arrested near the scene in connection with the murder. Police said two men, ages 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman were taken into custody. Their names have not been publicly released.
Authorities have not announced what charges the suspects may face, and a possible motive has not been made public.
Orabiyi was known in the music industry as a talented songwriter and artist. He won a Grammy for his work on H.E.R.’s 2017 project “Lights On,” which was part of the album that won Best R&B Album at the 61st Grammy Awards, according to Rolling Stone.
He also worked on Dua Lipa’s 2016 single “Last Dance” and Khalid’s hit “Young Dumb & Broke.” His career included collaborations and writing credits connected to several major names in pop and R&B.
His death was announced over the weekend in an Instagram post signed by his family and manager. They remembered him not only for his success as a multi-platinum songwriter and artist, but also for his “humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence.”
His brother, Michael Orabiyi, who performs under the name Scribz Riley, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram and described their final conversation.
“Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do,” Michael wrote.
He remembered his brother as “a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives.”
“He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known,” Michael added.
Orabiyi’s killing has shocked fans, friends and the music community, where he was known for helping shape songs heard around the world.
What's Up Team