Millions of fans were devastated when Zayn Malik announced he was leaving One Direction last week, but they will be over the moon that the 22-year-old heart-throb appears to be embarking on a solo career. Zayn attended a London recording studio on Saturday – just 24 hours after his unexpected departure from the boyband – where he was pictured alongside hit producer Naughty Boy.Sporting a denim jacket and skinny jeans with his hair tied in a trendy top-knot, the singer chatted with the producer on a stairwell before heading inside.
© Photo: Getty ImagesIt is understood that Zayn's new solo material will be released with Simon Cowell's record label. Syco, which already owns the rights to distributing One Direction music, is said to have secured an agreement with the former band member, who had left the band's contract early.A source told The Sun: "Zayn is now the most in-demand solo artist in the world. There's huge excitement as he's the first member who will be able to release on their own.
© Photo: Getty Images"Simon was very understanding about him leaving the band but quickly made it clear he would stay a Syco artist for his future projects. "He'll now be able to make sure any releases are timed so they don’t clash with anything by One Direction. "Zayn broke hearts last week when he announced he was leaving the five-piece band. Shortly after abandoning the group's South East Asia tour to jet back to Britain, he made a statement on Facebook: "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band.
"I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. "I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."
