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

The pop star's fifth studio album is set to release on April 17th, showcasing his cultural heritage.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shimmering, glittering texture in high contrast, capturing the glamour and luxury associated with Zayn's musical artistry.Zayn's new album 'Konnakol' promises to showcase the artist's cultural heritage through a bold, pop-forward sonic exploration.Today in Miami

Zayn has released a new single, 'Sideways,' as a preview of his highly anticipated fifth studio album 'Konnakol,' scheduled for release on April 17th. The album is described as Zayn's 'most culturally inspired project to date,' with the album art featuring the snow leopard, a profound symbol in South Asia. Zayn has said the album explores his heritage and identity, with the term 'Konnakol' referring to the act of creating percussive sounds with one's voice.

Why it matters

Zayn has built a successful solo career since leaving One Direction, with his debut album 'Mind of Mine' breaking records. 'Konnakol' represents the next evolution of Zayn's artistry, as he delves deeper into his cultural roots and identity. The album's release and Zayn's upcoming tour are highly anticipated events for his global fanbase.

The details

The new single 'Sideways' is the latest offering from 'Konnakol,' which follows Zayn's critically acclaimed 2024 album 'Room Under the Stairs.' The press release describes 'Konnakol' as a 'pop-forward' album that is Zayn's 'most culturally inspired project to date.' Zayn has also released the first single 'Die For Me,' accompanied by an official music video.

  • Zayn's fifth studio album 'Konnakol' is set for release on April 17, 2026.
  • Zayn will embark on his largest solo tour to date, 'The Konnakol Tour,' starting on May 12, 2026 in Manchester, UK.

The players

Zayn

An English singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. He has since launched a successful solo career, with four previous studio albums.

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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 making stops across North America, South America, Mexico and the UK before concluding on November 20, 2026 in Miami, FL.

The takeaway

Zayn's upcoming album 'Konnakol' represents an exciting new chapter in the artist's career, as he delves deeper into his cultural heritage and identity. The album's release and tour will be highly anticipated events for his global fanbase, who have followed his journey from One Direction to his successful solo endeavors.