Beloved Songwriter Behind Dua Lipa Hits Killed in London Stabbing

The music world lost a quiet force this week. Talay Riley, the British singer-songwriter whose fingerprints appeared on hits for Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, and Zendaya, was stabbed to death in Silvertown, east London, on Friday, June 5. He was 35.

Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, wasn’t a household name in the way his collaborators were. But his work shaped the sound of some of pop’s biggest moments. His songwriting credits span“Last Dance”for Dua Lipa,“Clumsy”for Britney Spears, and“Close Up”for Zendaya—songs that reached millions. Beyond the A-list roster, he’d written for U.K. rapper Stormzy, Craig David, Chris Brown, and Khalid, establishing himself as a trusted voice in contemporary pop and hip-hop.

Police responded to reports of a stabbing in the early hours of Friday morning. Riley was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds. Three suspects—two men aged 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman—were arrested on suspicion of murder. The 27-year-old was later released on bail pending further investigation, while the other two were released with no further action.

The loss has rippled through the music community in ways that reveal just how much Riley meant to those around him. His brother, music producer Scribz Riley (Michael Orabiyi), shared a tribute on Instagram Saturday, June 6, describing Mark as more than just family—a mentor, an inspiration, a light in countless people’s lives. He recalled their final conversation, just before Mark went to sleep, talking about the future and staying positive.“I never imagined that would be our last conversation,”Scribz wrote.

Artists who’d worked with Riley were quick to respond. Stormzy posted a simple heart emoji and message of condolence. Khalid wrote,“Im so sorrry bro… im sending you so much love.”Singer Kehlani added her own words of support. These weren’t casual tributes—they were genuine expressions of loss from people who knew his character.

In a statement, Riley’s family captured what those closest to him already knew:“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him.”They promised that his kindness, spirit, and talent would never be forgotten. For an industry that often forgets the architects behind the hits, remembering Talay Riley matters.