Singer Zayn Malik is the latest celebrity to record a CBeebies bedtime story, selecting Ziggy Marley’s book “Music is Everything.” Malik, who recently released his country-inspired fourth solo album “Room Under the Stairs,” chose the book due to his admiration for Bob Marley and the importance of music and reading in his life as a parent.
Malik, who shares daughter Khai with ex-partner Gigi Hadid, regularly reads and sings to her at bedtime and sees this as something special to share with her.
Other music stars who have read a CBeebies bedtime story include Malik’s former bandmate Harry Styles, as well as Dave Grohl, Dolly Parton, Reese Witherspoon, Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and Gregory Porter.
Since leaving One Direction in 2015, Malik has largely stayed out of the limelight, only recently returning with significant public engagements.
He performed his first headline solo gig last Friday, his first concert since departing the band, describing the experience as “an unforgettable night” on Instagram. Additionally, he collaborated with the Pakistani band Aur, singing in Urdu.
Malik, originally from Bradford, now resides in rural Pennsylvania, near the farm owned by Hadid’s family, to co-parent their daughter.
His latest album, recorded in Nashville, has received positive reviews. The Guardian’s Michael Cragg rated it three stars, acknowledging some lyrical weaknesses but praising Malik’s uniqueness.
The Telegraph’s Poppie Platt and Ollie Mcnaughton also awarded it three stars, highlighting its potential appeal beyond loyal One Direction fans.
Nick Reilly of Rolling Stone UK gave it four stars, commending Malik’s exploration of personal pain and country music. Thania Garcia of Variety appreciated the bold experimentation in the album, despite it requiring multiple listens to fully appreciate.
CBeebies Bedtime Story airs weekdays at 18:50 on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, with Zayn Malik’s story scheduled for broadcast on Wednesday, May 22.
