Zayn Malik claims he can now make 'real music' after announcing new record deal with RCA
The singer has explained why he really left the band
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Zayn Malik announced that he is off to make "real music" as he signed a solo record contract, months after leaving One Direction.
The singer made a shock departure from the band earlier this year to go and be a "normal 22-year-old", leaving hordes of devastated fans in his wake. Speculation about solo projects followed and on Wednesday night Malik released a picture of him signing his new contract with RCA, joining the likes of Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake and Kelly Clarkson who are already signed to the label.
In a separate tweet, Malik wrote: "I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !!" To make his point even clearer, he then tweeted “#REALMUSIC”.
The news left some One Directioners feeling they had been lied to, while others were not impressed by his "real music" dig. Unsurprisingly, the angry backlash soon grew on Twitter.
Simon Cowell, who manages One Direction on his Syco label, congratulated Malik on his new deal, tweeting: "We have been working on this for a while and I am pleased to say congratulations to Zayn Malik on signing with RCARecords.
"I believe they are the perfect label for Zayn Malik's solo career and I am sure whatever they release together will be special."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments