Zayn Malik embarks on solo project after Simon Cowell says One Direction boys can do their own thing

It’s been a matter of days since Simon Cowell announced at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday that he’s happy for the One Direction lads to work on their own solo projects.

But it seems one member in particular couldn’t wait for the green light to do his own thing – Zayn Malik has offered himself up for a track on the second album by UK producer Naughty Boy.

It emerged back in July last year that Zayn and the music wizard had written a tune together called One Chance To Dance for 1D’s next album but it didn’t make it onto the finished version of Four.

But the pair’s efforts haven’t gone to waste as the song is going to be released in the near future.

Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, told The Sun on Sunday: “I can’t deny the fact that we have made music together.

“That’s music we’ve made for One Direction and also that Zayn is going to feature on my next album.

“We’re making music and having fun. This is just like a side gig and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.

“It’s a good time for Zayn to showcase what he can really do. I don’t think that is being fully exploited with the band because there are five people and it needs to be balanced out."

The producer added that he thinks all five of the boys are very talented and that they can easily do their own work and come back to the band.

And after giving the go ahead for the guys to work on their own projects, Simon Cowell has heard Zayn’s solo music and is very pleased with the finished product.

Naughty Boy said: “Simon’s very happy with the song and supports the whole thing.

“I think mine and Zayn’s relationship is better because of our relationship with Simon. We went to his house a couple of weeks ago and just had a couple of drinks and chilled out...

“I know Simon loves every one of them and wants them to stay together. I still think there’s nothing wrong with trying different things.

“They are all experimenting and dabbling but I think the band will be together for the next 20 years.”

Wow! That’s a long way off...

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