To celebrate Bradford 2025, Zayn gathered some proud Bradfordians to share their thoughts on the city
The answers from Zayn himself
How would you describe Bradford in three words?
Bradford is raw, honest and beautiful.
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford is home.
What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?
That is a hard one, you know. I spent most of my life there before I was in the band, so there were a lot of poignant moments that helped shape me and make me the person I am. To pick one would be really hard. But I’m very proud of where I come from and the way that I carry myself because of it.
Where is your favourite place in Bradford?
My grandparents’ house when they were alive. I enjoyed going to that house, it was great.
What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?
I think the raw honesty makes Bradford, Bradford. There’s no beating around the bush, they’re very blunt and honest and that’s something that I find is a rarity in today’s world.
Nia Archives↑
Award-winning DJ, producer, singer and songwriter
Describe Bradford in three words.
Yorkshire, culture, origins.
What does Bradford mean to you?
It’s home to me. I was born there. It’s where I spent a lot of my early life and where my family still lives.
How has Bradford shaped you?
I am a Bradfordian at heart even though I lived in Leeds. It’s a huge part of my childhood. I used to go to Bradford carnival a lot as kid, MAPA [cultural arts centre] too, and Playscheme. That was one of the first introductions to soundsystem culture for me. As I am about to release my debut album Silence Is Loud, it’s clear my time in Bradford was hugely instrumental and shaped the jungle sound I make today.
What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?
I remember seeing Benjamin Zephaniah at the Alhambra in 2005.
Where is your favourite place in Bradford?
My grandma Liz’s house.
What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?
The people!
Bobby Pointon↑
Striker, Bradford City AFC
Describe Bradford in three words.
Multicultural, bustling, lively.
What does Bradford mean to you?
A place I am proud to be from and brought up in.
How has Bradford shaped you?
Bradford has made me humble, ambitious and
