Zayn Malik has hinted at experiencing racism during his time in One Direction, referencing his struggles in a preview of his upcoming track, Fuchsia Sea. The 32-year-old singer shared a snippet of the song on Instagram Friday, featuring lyrics that suggest he faced discrimination as the only non-white member of the globally famous boy band.
In the teaser, Zayn raps, “I worked hard in a white band, and they still laughed at the Asian,” alluding to the challenges he faced as a British-Pakistani artist in the group. The lyrics also touch on themes of perseverance and self-awareness, with lines like “I’ve been conscious of every connotation” and “Got my back against the wall.” Fans speculate the song may delve deeper into his experiences in the music industry.
Zayn, who left One Direction in 2015, announced his departure at the time with a statement emphasizing his need for privacy and normalcy. “I have to do what feels right in my heart,” he wrote, assuring fans that he maintained strong friendships with his former bandmates—Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.
While he hasn’t elaborated further on the song’s meaning, the teaser has sparked discussions about racial dynamics in pop music. Zayn, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, hinted that Fuchsia Sea will be released soon, leaving fans eager to hear the full track and its message.