One Direction star Zayn Malik performs in country for first time in 12 years

Zayn Malik praised the crowd’s energy during PILLOWTALK, his 2016 solo debut single.

Zayn Malik <i>(Image: BBC / Guy Levy)</i>

(Image: BBC / Guy Levy)

Zayn Malik praised the crowd after performing in a country for the first time in 12 years.

The singer, who grew up in Bradford, played his first solo concert in Argentina at Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

The show marked his return to the South American spot after last appearing there with One Direction in May 2014.

What happened at the gig?

Malik praised the crowd’s energy during PILLOWTALK, his 2016 solo debut single.

Fans sang loudly throughout the song, making their response part of the performance.

Malik also spoke to the audience in Spanish during the concert.

The 20-song set covered all five of Malik’s solo albums.

It included iT’s YoU, dRuNk and Sweat, alongside newer material.

Any One Direction songs?

No One Direction songs were performed, keeping the set focused on his work since leaving the group.

Latest Zayn Malik tour

Latest album Konnakol, released through Mercury Records on April 17, is the basis for the current tour.

Much of it was cancelled in May after Malik reported a health-related postponement.

The remaining schedule lists São Paulo on October 10, followed by Lima on October 14.

The latter concert is due to close the tour.