Zayn Malik -- He Speaks!!! He Thanks 1D ... And He's Asian! (VIDEO)

Zayn Malik broke his silence Friday night -- come to think about it we haven't heard him speak before -- and he heaped praise on his former band, One Direction.

Zayn accepted a trophy at the Asian Awards in London. The award was for Outstanding Achievement in Music. Interesting, because it's the only award Zayn can accept independent of the band. He's getting it because of his Pakistani heritage.

It sounds like there's no beef with the boys.