Thursday, July 23, 2026

Eulogies for British-Nigerian singer Mark Orabiyi stabbed to death in UK

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” the police said.

• June 7, 2026
Mark Orabiyi (Talay Riley)
Mark Orabiyi (Talay Riley) [Credit: X]

Tributes have continued to pour in for British-Nigerian musician, Mark Orabiyi, popularly known as Talay Riley, who died of stab wounds at Silvertown, United Kingdom, on Friday.

Mr Orabiyi, 35, was found by police emergency team in the garden of a Rayleigh Road property, having suffered stab wounds, the UK Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Saturday.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” the police said.

The police said “A man in his 20s who was also taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds, remains in hospital. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.”

According to the police, three people were arrested on Friday, June 5 on suspicion of murder. 

They disclosed that a 27-year-old man was been released on bail pending further enquiries. 

It stated that after questioning, a second man, aged 24, and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action.

Since his death was announced, eulogies have come from the family and fans of the late musician who had two albums titled, “Yinka, Vol. 1 in 2019 and “Going To California” in 2011.

“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him. We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the Orabiyi family wrote.

Posting a video of one of the songs he featured in on Instagram, @blackbritishculture described Talay Riley as “one of the UK’s most respected songwriters and recording artists.”

He added, “He is perhaps best known for co-writing Chip’s UK number one hit “Oopsy Daisy” and the fan favourite “Look For Me,” on which he also featured.”

Another Instagram user, @sam.a_t described Mr Orabiyi as “a legend in British music. “Look for me” was a song I used to love as a child and played a big part in my love for music.”

Rapper Chip, formerly known as Chipmunk, paid tribute to Mr Orabiyi on Instagram, sharing how he co-wrote the 2009 hit Oopsy Daisy.

“You ain’t deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro. Your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life… RIP Talay Riley,” he wrote.

Tributes also poured in from X for the late musician. @liddycomidee said, “Still in shock. This is so sad, man. He was so talented. Heard about this stabbing a few days back and didn’t know he was involved.”

Another X user, @dimeji_csv
“So sad. Him and Chip gave us so many hits back in the early 2010s.”

Detective chief inspector leading the Met’s investigation into Mr Orabiyi’s death, Joanna Yorke, said “This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones.”

He added, “Our investigation continues at pace. I would like to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to speak to police. We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation.”

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