Zayn Previews Upcoming Album 'Konnakol' with New Single 'Sideways'

The pop star's fifth studio album is set to release on April 17th, followed by a major global tour.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a highly textured, glittering surface in dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and luxury of the music industry.Zayn's new album 'Konnakol' promises to showcase the pop star's most culturally inspired and visually striking work to date.Today in Miami

Zayn has released the single 'Sideways' as a preview of his highly anticipated fifth studio album 'Konnakol,' scheduled for release on April 17th. The new album is described as 'pop-forward' and the musician's 'most culturally inspired project to date,' drawing on Zayn's South Asian heritage. To support the album, Zayn will embark on his largest solo tour to date, 'The Konnakol Tour,' with stops across North America, South America, Mexico, and the UK.

Why it matters

Zayn has established himself as a global pop superstar since breaking out as a solo artist, and his new album 'Konnakol' represents an evolution in his sound and artistry as he further explores his cultural roots. The upcoming tour will also mark a significant milestone for Zayn, as he headlines arenas and stadiums for the first time in his solo career.

The details

The single 'Sideways' is the latest offering from Zayn's upcoming album 'Konnakol,' which is described as 'pop-forward' and the musician's 'most culturally inspired project to date.' The album art features a snow leopard, a 'profound symbol in South Asia,' showcasing how Zayn's heritage has influenced the record. Zayn previously released the single 'Die For Me' as the first preview of 'Konnakol,' accompanied by an official music video.

  • Zayn's fifth studio album 'Konnakol' is set for release on April 17, 2026.
  • Zayn will embark on 'The Konnakol Tour' starting on May 12, 2026 in Manchester, UK, with stops across North America, South America, Mexico, and the UK, concluding on November 20, 2026 in Miami, FL.

The players

Zayn

A global pop superstar who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction before launching a successful solo career. 'Konnakol' is his fifth studio album.

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What they’re saying

“It's that time again, I have been lucky enough to make a fifth studio album…'Konnakol' in its definition is the act of creating percussive sounds with one's voice but what it means to me lies somewhere much deeper. It is a sound that holds the reverberation of a time before words existed. I have always drawn on my heritage for inspiration since I first started making my own music. This album is a development of that understanding, knowing more now than ever, who I am, where I come from and where I intend to go.”

— Zayn

What’s next

Zayn will embark on his largest solo tour to date, 'The Konnakol Tour,' starting on May 12, 2026 in Manchester, UK and concluding on November 20, 2026 in Miami, FL. The tour will mark the first time Zayn has headlined arenas and stadiums across North America, South America, Mexico, and the UK.

The takeaway

Zayn's upcoming album 'Konnakol' represents an evolution in the pop star's sound and artistry, as he further explores his cultural heritage and South Asian influences. The album and tour will showcase Zayn's growth as a solo artist and his ability to connect with a global audience through his music.