ZAYN ANNOUNCES FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM
Copyright: Nabil Elderkin
The wait is officially over for fans of the multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and producer ZAYN. The philanthropist has formally revealed that his fifth studio effort, titled KONNAKOL, is scheduled for a global launch on April 17, 2026. Released through Mercury Records and Island Records UK, the album is already open for pre-orders. To kick off this new era, the lead single, ‘Die For Me,’ is set to drop this coming Friday, February 6.
KONNAKOL represents a significant creative milestone, standing as ZAYN’s most culturally resonant work so far. While remaining firmly "pop-forward," the album revisits and expands upon the sonic foundations he first laid down on his record-breaking debut, Mind of Mine.
The visual identity of the project is just as intentional as the music. The album cover features a snow leopard, a majestic symbol of South Asia, serving as a tribute to his roots. This imagery isn't a total surprise to the most observant fans; the snow leopard appeared at the conclusion of every performance during his recent Las Vegas residency, turning a cryptic "Easter egg" into the definitive face of the new record.
Reflecting on the journey toward this fifth milestone, ZAYN shared: “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.”
The road to KONNAKOL has been paved with massive achievements. ZAYN recently concluded his debut Las Vegas residency, a run that allowed him to test-drive unreleased tracks and build immense hype among his audience and the press alike. Variety highlighted his artistic evolution during the residency, stating: “If ZAYN has proven one thing over the course of his solo career, he’s not about following expectations. What matters is that he’s back, visibly more secure, and ushering in a new album that seems packed with commercial potential.”
This upcoming release follows the 2024 success of Room Under the Stairs, which saw him embark on his inaugural solo tour through the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. ZAYN’s recent collaborative power was also on full display with the single "Eyes Closed" featuring Jisoo of BLACKPINK. That track didn't just dominate the charts—hitting #10 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and #21 on Spotify Global—but also secured a 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favorite K-Pop Collaboration.
Pre-order KONNAKOL here.
