Years after his departure from One Direction, Zayn Malik finally opens up about the reasons behind his decision. The news of his departure in 2014 shattered the hearts of One Direction fans, leaving behind Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson to carry on the success they had achieved together.
Following his departure, Zayn Malik took a media hiatus but continued to release solo songs that quickly became global hits, such as ‘Pillowtalk’ and ‘Like I Would’, showcasing his personal success.
However, his silence left fans wondering if they would ever learn the true details of his departure. Rumors circulated among fans, but skepticism prevailed when discussing his past. Zayn Malik finally opens up about One Direction: A Desire to Lead the Way.
In a candid one-hour interview on the podcast ‘Call Her Daddy’ with Alex Cooper, the former One Direction star shed light on his time away from the spotlight and his long-awaited comeback. While he experienced initial success, Zayn went through a significant period without releasing new music. However, that is set to change this July with the release of his new single, ‘Love Like This’.
Despite his return, Zayn Malik remains intrinsically linked to One Direction. Thus, he also discussed his departure and subsequent disappearance from the boyband.
“I intentionally avoided interviews and excessive press exposure because I felt that as a band, we were overexposed. It takes time for an individual to naturally progress and offer something new and interesting to say,” Zayn revealed on the podcast. His comeback has surprised many, and he shared that it was motivated by his six-year-old daughter. “Having conversations in this environment used to give me anxiety, and I wanted her to look at me and say, ‘Hey, my dad’s doing this.'”
Furthermore, Zayn touched upon the competitiveness within the group. “Selfishly, I wanted to be the first person to pursue my own record. I wanted to make my own mark and establish myself outside of One Direction. When it comes to my music and business, I am serious and competitive. So, I wanted to be the first to venture out and do my own thing.”
Zayn Malik’s revelations have provided long-awaited answers for fans and shed light on his personal journey. As he prepares for his highly anticipated comeback, fans eagerly await the next chapter of his musical evolution, while remembering his time as a member of One Direction.
