Zayn Javadd Malik (born January 12, 1993) is a British singer of Pakistani descent. He rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction after auditioning on The X Factor in 2010. The group became a global phenomenon, releasing several chart-topping albums before going on hiatus in 2016. In 2015 he left One Direction to pursue a solo career. His debut solo album Mind of Mine (2016) spawned the hit Pillowtalk and established his distinctive R&B-influenced sound. He followed with the albums Icarus Falls (2018) and Nobody Is Listening (2021), and has released numerous singles and collaborations, including Dusk Till Dawn with Sia. Known for his wide-ranging falsetto and genre-blending style, he combines pop, R&B, and electronic influences. Beyond music, he has pursued fashion and philanthropy.