
On May 17, Zayn Malik marked the first anniversary of his fourth studio album, Room Under the Stairs, with an unexpected and eye-catching surprise. The former One Direction heartthrob shared a glimpse of a gigantic, The Last of Us-themed cake gifted by HBO via his Instagram Stories, sparking excitement among fans.
A Thoughtful Gesture from HBO and The Last of Us
The cake, intricately designed around the popular HBO series The Last of Us, delighted the Stardust singer. Zayn Malik took to social media to express his gratitude, writing,
“Can’t believe it’s 1 year of Room Under the Stairs. Thanks so much to HBO and The Last of Us for this amazing surprise.”
The collaboration seemed fitting given Zayn Malik ’s known appreciation for the show, blending his music milestone with a nod to a cultural phenomenon beloved by many.
Fan Tributes Highlight Zayn Malik’s Solo Journey
To further mark the occasion, Zayn Malik reposted a series of fan-made edits and heartfelt tributes on his official social media platforms. These posts celebrated not only the album’s success but also the unwavering support Zayn has received from his fanbase over the past year.
Room Under the Stairs represented a turning point in Malik’s career — it was his first full-length release that led to his debut solo tour. This milestone arrived nearly a decade after he left the boy band One Direction in 2015, where he was joined by fellow members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne, who tragically passed away on October 16, 2024.
A Year of Growth and Reflection
Zayn’s album and its celebration highlight his evolution as an artist and individual. While his departure from One Direction was initially met with mixed reactions, the Room Under the Stairs era has solidified his identity in the music industry, showcasing his distinct voice and artistic vision.
As fans continue to engage with his music and milestones, the unique blend of pop culture elements, like the HBO cake, adds an intriguing layer to Zayn’s narrative. Whether simply a fun tribute or something hinting at future collaborations, the surprise has certainly kept fans buzzing.