Zayn Malik says he feels more authentic after leaving One Direction

Zayn Malik has reflected on his time in One Direction, stating that the music created during that period “didn’t feel authentic” to him as an artist. The singer shared his views while discussing his creative evolution and current approach to music.

The comments were made during an interview on The Smallzy Show, where Malik spoke about how his perspective on music has changed over time.

In the interview, Malik explained that while he valued the experience, the style of music produced during his time in the group did not align with his personal taste. He noted that he is now focused on creating music that reflects his own artistic identity, describing his current work as more genuine and aligned with what he would listen to independently.

Malik exited One Direction in 2015 during a world tour, citing the desire to live a more normal life away from the pressures of global fame. Since then, he has pursued a solo career, experimenting with different genres and creative directions.

Recent reports have also referenced unverified claims about past tensions within the band, though neither Malik nor Tomlinson has publicly addressed those allegations. Separately, Malik has shared that he is currently recovering from a health issue, which has led to the postponement of several promotional appearances tied to his upcoming projects.

Despite setbacks, Malik remains active in music, with plans for future releases and live performances continuing to generate interest among fans.