Zayn Malik embarks on solo project with Naughty Boy

One Direction star Zayn Malik has embarked on a solo project with British songwriter/producer Naughty Boy.

Malik has been working with the La La La hitmaker on an upcoming track after previously working together on One Direction track One Chance To Dance.

The song failed to make the cut for the boyband's 2014 album Four, but now the DJ is planning to release that song and his new collaboration with Malik as part of his upcoming project.

However, Naughty Boy is confident Malik's solo endeavor will not spell the end of One Direction.

He tells Britain's Sun on Sunday newspaper, "We're making music and having fun. This is just like a side gig and I don't think there is anything wrong with it.

"It's a good time for Zayn to showcase what he really can do. I don't think that is being fully exploited within the band because there are five people and it needs to be balanced out. They all have something to show the world as individuals. They can always come back together and do their thing. I don't think they will ever split up..."