Northern Roots Influence Zayn’s Identity and Career Decisions
Zayn Malik, former One Direction star, has opened up about how his northern roots in Bradford, West Yorkshire, have influenced both his life and career. The 31-year-old singer, who gained fame as part of the boy band before launching a successful solo career, shared insights into how his upbringing shaped his personality and decision-making.
Speaking to The Big Issue, Malik explained that moving from Bradford to London revealed to him just how much his northern background had shaped his identity. He recalled being introduced to various new characters in London but quickly realizing that his personality remained firmly rooted in his northern upbringing. “I’m a very northern man,” Malik said. “That heavily influences my personality and decision-making on a daily basis.”
Although he has lived in America for nearly a decade, Malik remains deeply connected to his hometown. He was recently appointed as the ambassador for Bradford City of Culture 2025, a role that will see him participate in several city-wide initiatives celebrating Bradford’s culture. This comes as part of his effort to give back to the community that shaped him.
Malik also reflected on his childhood ambitions, revealing that his original drive to succeed was to provide a better life for his parents. “We lived in a rented property our whole upbringing and I wanted to give them a better quality of living,” he said. By the age of 17 or 18, Malik’s aspirations expanded beyond just improving his family’s life—he was determined to forge his own path and experience the world.
Looking ahead, Malik is preparing to release his fourth studio album Room Under The Stairs on May 17, which he described as offering a deeper insight into his evolving identity. His new single, “What I Am,” reflects on personal growth, with Malik explaining that the track is about how he approaches life, embracing the transformation he’s gone through as a man.
In the same Big Issue interview, Malik has also highlighted the voices of other Bradfordians, including magician Dynamo, producer and artist Nia Archives, and various local figures like teachers, school students, and an NHS nurse, to emphasize how Bradford has influenced their lives as well.
Malik’s ongoing connection to Bradford, despite his global success, showcases the enduring impact of his northern heritage on both his personal and professional journey.
