…By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
In an unusual moment of candor, former One Direction member, Zayn Malik recently shared the motivations behind his departure from the globally popular boy band.
Malik admitted that the tensions within the group and a desire to be the first to launch a solo career led to his decision.
Solo Ambition Fueled Departure
According to Malik, the constant interaction with the band members, including Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson, resulted in a strain on their relationship.
Malik’s desire to produce his solo album was fueled by an understanding that the band’s dynamics were changing.
Band Dynamics and Solo Venture
Malik clarified in a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, “I don’t want to go into too much detail, but there was a lot of politics going on, so people were doing certain things, so people didn’t want to sign contracts, so I knew something was happening.”
He believed the band was over and made a “completely selfish” decision to leave and create his own record.
The Bradford-born singer also pointed out “underlying issues” in the band’s friendship, a result of being together every day for five years.
“We’d been together every day for five years and we’d got sick of each other… so we were close,” Malik noted.
Reflections and Future Ventures
Despite these challenging experiences, Malik reflects fondly on his time with One Direction.
Since departing the group, he has continued his successful music career with his first solo album, ‘Mind Of Mine,’ achieving chart-topping success.
Malik is preparing to release his latest album ‘Love Like This’ following his last chart-topping single ‘Vibez’ in 2021.
Personal Life and Challenges
On a personal front, Malik shares a two-year-old daughter, Khai, with US model Gigi Hadid.
Although the couple has separated, Malik emphasized their positive co-parenting relationship, stating, “Khai is the main importance, so yeah it’s going well… I think.”
However, Malik’s life has been fraught with controversies.
In October 2021, he pleaded no contest to harassment charges after an alleged dispute with Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid.
As a result, he was placed on 90 days probation and ordered to complete an anger management class and a domestic violence programme.
Despite these challenges, Malik states that he prefers to stay out of online debates and focus on the facts known to him and the people involved.
He expressed a desire to handle such situations respectfully to create a better environment for his daughter.
In a world where celebrity culture often brings personal issues to the forefront, Malik’s interview offers a refreshing and candid insight into his life and career.
As he continues to make music and navigate his personal challenges, his fans will undoubtedly be watching closely and hoping for the best.