Singer Zayn Malik, ex-One Direction member. Photo / Getty Images
Former One Direction heart-throb Zayn Malik has been signed to a new record label to make "real music".
The singer announced on Twitter that he had signed to RCA and posted a picture of himself smiling as he signed a contract at the label's headquarters.
He also took the opportunity to slam his former group, writing: "I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA".
He's rumoured to be working with Frank Ocean's Channel Orange producer Malay - who recently posted a picture on Instagram of his daughter with his "co-worker" Malik.
Malik left One Direction in March after saying he wanted to be a "normal 22-year-old".
However, he was soon spotted in the recording studio working on solo material.
He wrote at the time: "'My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.
"I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."
- nzherald.co.nz
The Australian site cited a 'heightened threat level' as the issue.