The music industry is rife with high-profile splits and subsequent solo careers, and One Direction’s story is no exception. The British-Irish boy band who formed on The X Factor in 2010 and went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 enjoyed tremendous success.
However, the band’s harmony was broken when member Zayn Malik admitted in an interview that he left because he wanted to be the first to create a solo album. Malik’s honesty about his motivations within the band is refreshing and sheds new light on the complicated dynamics of individual aspiration within a group.
Zayn Malik’s Selfish Pursuit of Solo Stardom
Zayn Malik shocked fans when he discussed his egocentric motivations for leaving One Direction on the Call Her Daddy podcast. The singer said he wanted to be the band’s first member to have a successful solo career, which was a major factor in his decision to leave the group.
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Zayn Malik, known for being competitive and serious in the music and business industries, wanted to “jump the gun” and establish his solo identity before his bandmates.
“I completely, selfishly wanted to be the first person to go and make my own record, if I’m being completely honest with you. I was like, ‘I’m gonna jump the gun here for the first time.’ I’m a passive dude, but when it comes to my music and my business, I’m serious about it and I’m competitive. So I wanted to be the first to go and do my own thing.”
After leaving One Direction in March 2015, the pop singer wasted no time to pursue his solo career. Pillowtalk, his first solo effort, was released in January 2016 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, peaking at number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.
Malik made history when he became the first British artist to have a number-one single in the United States with his debut release. The singer’s solo success was undeniable but came at the expense of the band’s cohesiveness and potential.
When One Direction Had A Major Fallout
Malik’s departure from One Direction undoubtedly significantly affected Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Niall Horan. Once hailed as a worldwide phenomenon, the band went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.
While each member has had some measure of success in a solo career, nothing can replace their collective presence’s undeniable chemistry and magic. Zayn Malik reflected on his time in One Direction and discussed the excitement and fun he had during his tenure with the band.
Considering the spotlight and attention that comes with a solo career, his decision to leave and pursue a “normal life” seems contradictory. The “Directioners,” as One Direction’s devoted fanbase is known, were instrumental in the band’s meteoric rise to fame.
Their undying loyalty and commitment were crucial to the team’s success. Many fans worldwide had high hopes and dreams for One Direction after Zayn Malik left, but he ended up leaving.
Source: YouTube
