Zayn Malik surprised fans during his London show by paying heartfelt tribute to his One Direction days with a simple yet powerful gesture. The 31-year-old singer, known for his solo career and departure from the boy band, addressed the crowd with the words “Vas Happenin,” a phrase that instantly transported fans back to One Direction’s early days. Zayn’s delivery, accompanied by his signature hand gestures, immediately reminded fans of iconic moments from the band’s golden era.

Casually dressed in a Nirvana t-shirt, black pants, and a fedora, Zayn made the nostalgic gesture while holding a red microphone, sending waves of excitement and surprise through the audience. The phrase “Vas Happenin,” which was once a playful catchphrase of Zayn’s during his time with One Direction, became an inside joke for the band’s loyal fans. When Zayn left the group in 2015, many assumed he had put that chapter of his life behind him. However, this unexpected return to his roots left fans excited and confused as it reminded them of the band’s glory days.

Fans on social media couldn’t contain their excitement at Zayn’s two-word tribute. One fan tweeted: “Zayn said ‘it’s happening in 2024… really groundbreaking, and if you get it, you get it.” Another fan humorously joked: “Hey I can’t actually go to work tomorrow, Zayn Malik said ‘it’s happening in the year 2024 so I have to stay home and watch the first day live stream :/ sorry.”

The moment took on even more significance following the recent passing of Zayn’s former bandmate Liam Payne. Zayn, who had been quietly paying tribute to Liam since the tragic news, honoured his late friend with a blue screen on stage displaying the message: “Liam Payne 1993-2024 I love you bro,” accompanied by a pink heart. The tribute moved fans to tears, as video footage from the concert showed fans sobbing in the audience.

Zayn’s heartfelt gestures continued to speak volumes and reflected his deep connection to his past and the band that shaped his early career. The phrase “Vas Happenin,” once synonymous with his playful persona in One Direction, now has an even deeper resonance as Zayn reflects on the loss of a close friend.

As part of his Stairway To The Sky UK tour, Zayn’s next performance will take place in Liam’s hometown of Wolverhampton, making it an especially emotional stop for the singer. The tour will wrap up in Edinburgh on December 8 and 9, marking the end of a deeply emotional tour for Zayn and his fans.

The band members’ reunion at Liam’s funeral earlier this year was the first time they’d come together since 2015, highlighting the strong, if complex, bond between the members of One Direction. Zayn’s return to using “Vas Happenin” feels like a subtle acknowledgement of his past with the band, a nod to the music and memories that continue to shape his career.

Zayn Malik’s unexpected tribute during his tour is a powerful reminder of how deeply connected music and memories can be, especially when they span years and emotions. For One Direction fans, Zayn’s “Vas Happenin” may be the most touching memory of all.