MILLENIAL GIRL
Zara is poster girl for the Millenial generation – at only 19 – she is feisty, honest and speaks out about political issues and has the platform on which to do it with millions of followers and a multi-platinum pop career spanning almost a decade.
LUSH LIFE
Zara Maria Larrson was born on December 16 1997 and at the age of only 10 she competed in and won ‘Talang’, the Swedish version of ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ While that bought her notoriety in Sweden and 500 SWK (€50,000), Zara confesses she thought her career was over before it had even begun as she had to wait till 14 to get signed by a major record label.
“I was still pretty stressed out, but the older I got, the more relaxed I felt. When I was younger, I thought life was over by 25. But now I’ve kind of realised that life begins at 25.”
We would have to argue that sentiment. Only last year, the then 18-year-old ‘Lush Life’ singer had 3 singles in the top 40, a number 1 in 8 countries and had already performed with a list of artists like the VIP guest list to an NME party including Ty Dollar, Tinie Tempah, MNEK. More recently she has collaborated with Clean Bandit in hit song ‘Symphony’ which she co-wrote with Ed Sheeran from her latest album So Good.
Plus, to date she has notched up two MTV Music Awards, a Kid’s Choice Award and a Brit Award nomination for British Single of the Year in 2017 for ‘Girl’s Like’ with Tinie Tempah. Time Magazine also listed her as among the “30 Most Influential Teens” in the world in their 2016 poll.
And all this while still studying at school.
However, Zara finishes up her education this summer and plans to tour, a part of the business she loves. Last summer she performed at 8 festivals including the Gibraltar Music Festival, in a cool metallic two piece – wowing onlookers. She is the perfect all singing, dancing, striking pop package. But with edge.
“I was still pretty stressed out, but the older I got, the more relaxed I felt. When I was younger, I thought life was over by 25. But now I’ve kind of realised that life begins at 25.”
We would have to argue that sentiment. Only last year, the then 18-year-old ‘Lush Life’ singer had 3 singles in the top 40, a number 1 in 8 countries and had already performed with a list of artists like the VIP guest list to an NME party including Ty Dollar, Tinie Tempah, MNEK. More recently she has collaborated with Clean Bandit in hit song ‘Symphony’ which she co-wrote with Ed Sheeran from her latest album So Good.
Plus, to date she has notched up two MTV Music Awards, a Kid’s Choice Award and a Brit Award nomination for British Single of the Year in 2017 for ‘Girl’s Like’ with Tinie Tempah. Time Magazine also listed her as among the “30 Most Influential Teens” in the world in their 2016 poll.
And all this while still studying at school.
However, Zara finishes up her education this summer and plans to tour, a part of the business she loves. Last summer she performed at 8 festivals including the Gibraltar Music Festival, in a cool metallic two piece – wowing onlookers. She is the perfect all singing, dancing, striking pop package. But with edge.
SPEAKING HER MIND
Part of Zara’s edge comes with her strong beliefs and the fact she is totally 
prepared to air them. She has always been vocal about issues close to her heart. “Both my parents are very educated and when it comes to me speaking about social issues and about what’s going on in the world, they’ve been very supportive,” she says.
So who has crossed Zara’s path exactly? Well for starters there’s men in general! A self-proclaimed feminist, after learning a man had committed a sexual assault on a woman during her set at Bravalla Festival in July 2016, Larrson went onto her social media to not only condemn the act but what was seen by many as her “blaming all men for the attack.”
“F*** you who shamelessly raped a girl in the audience. You deserve to burn in hell. F*** you for making girls feel insecure when they go to a festival. I hate guys. Hate hate hate.” Strong words indeed.
Zara also recently posted a picture of her on social media with a condom on her leg, criticising men who refuse to wear them because they are “too big”. A move that won her praise from anti-teen pregnancy groups. “It was a bold move but it definitely got the message across,” one campaigner said.
Talking about her strong opinions, Larrson was honest enough to admit that her “man-hater” label is actually well deserved and explains her views.
prepared to air them. She has always been vocal about issues close to her heart. “Both my parents are very educated and when it comes to me speaking about social issues and about what’s going on in the world, they’ve been very supportive,” she says.So who has crossed Zara’s path exactly? Well for starters there’s men in general! A self-proclaimed feminist, after learning a man had committed a sexual assault on a woman during her set at Bravalla Festival in July 2016, Larrson went onto her social media to not only condemn the act but what was seen by many as her “blaming all men for the attack.”
“F*** you who shamelessly raped a girl in the audience. You deserve to burn in hell. F*** you for making girls feel insecure when they go to a festival. I hate guys. Hate hate hate.” Strong words indeed.
Zara also recently posted a picture of her on social media with a condom on her leg, criticising men who refuse to wear them because they are “too big”. A move that won her praise from anti-teen pregnancy groups. “It was a bold move but it definitely got the message across,” one campaigner said.
Talking about her strong opinions, Larrson was honest enough to admit that her “man-hater” label is actually well deserved and explains her views.
“Women are oppressed because of men. It’s not a complete lie. People focusing on me being a man-hater is irrelevant, in my opinion. Who cares if I don’t like men as a group? It’s not a problem, it doesn’t hurt anyone. I’m upset because the world hates women. Women are being raped by men, accused, murdered, harassed, discriminated. It’s a natural reaction to be upset.”
Zara has also bated Donald Trump, singer Dr Luke and even rapper Chris Brown whom she said, “I think he is very talented, but I won’t support him because he is an asshole.” Brown was arrested in 2009 for assaulting then girlfriend Rihanna.
While Zara’s comments have catapulted her further into the public eye (and not always in a positive light) she is the first to admit, in typical millennial style, that she really doesn’t care. She would rather be honest about her views and have no fans then keep her views supressed and have millions of fans. Although you may not agree with Zara’s feisty leftfield beliefs – it is brave of her to be that strongly convicted to them that she would sacrifice her career over her silence.
Zara has also bated Donald Trump, singer Dr Luke and even rapper Chris Brown whom she said, “I think he is very talented, but I won’t support him because he is an asshole.” Brown was arrested in 2009 for assaulting then girlfriend Rihanna.
While Zara’s comments have catapulted her further into the public eye (and not always in a positive light) she is the first to admit, in typical millennial style, that she really doesn’t care. She would rather be honest about her views and have no fans then keep her views supressed and have millions of fans. Although you may not agree with Zara’s feisty leftfield beliefs – it is brave of her to be that strongly convicted to them that she would sacrifice her career over her silence.
WHAT NEXT
Zara is pleased with her latest album ‘So Good,’ which reached the top 10 in 6 countries and became one of the the most streamed dance album on Spotify, but readily acknowledges that it is just another step on the road to global superstardom.
“I’m on my way, but I’m not even close to where I want to be. I want to sell out stadium after stadium. I want to make multi-platinum records… I think I’ll always have a hunger for more. That’s just the person I am.”
“I’m on my way, but I’m not even close to where I want to be. I want to sell out stadium after stadium. I want to make multi-platinum records… I think I’ll always have a hunger for more. That’s just the person I am.”
