Zayn Malik, the renowned former member of One Direction, has announced his eagerly awaited fifth studio album, “KONNAKOL.” Fans can look forward to the release of the lead single this coming Friday.

The 33-year-old singer has confirmed that the full album will be available for purchase and streaming on April 17, marking a significant milestone in his solo career. As anticipation builds, Malik’s followers can pre-order the album now to ensure they don’t miss out.

The lead single, titled “Die For Me,” is set to hit the airwaves this Friday, February 6. The track promises to provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of sounds and influences that define “KONNAKOL.”

Zayn’s latest project draws deeply from his South Asian roots, with the album’s artwork symbolically combining his own visage with that of a snow leopard, a creature revered in the region. This imagery poignantly reflects the cultural homage woven throughout his music.

In discussing his forthcoming work, Zayn expressed, “It’s that time again. I’ve been fortunate to craft a fifth studio album. KONNAKOL, at its core, refers to the art of creating percussive sounds using the voice. However, for me, it resonates on a much deeper level.”

He further explained, “It embodies a sound that echoes from an era before language. Ever since I began my journey into music, my heritage has been a wellspring of inspiration. This album signifies a deeper understanding of who I am, where I originate, and where I aspire to journey.”

Zayn Malik has announced his fifth studio album KONNAKOL, with his lead single set to be released this Friday

Zayn’s South Asian heritage has shaped the new album, with its artwork illustrating half of the singer’s face lined up with the face of a snow leopard, a profound symbol of the region

KONNAKOL’s lead single Die For Me will be released this Friday, February 6, while fans can pre-order the album now 

Fans who had attended Zayn’s recently wrapped Las Vegas residency were treated to an early release of material from the new album.

Zayn’s fourth album Room Under The Stairs was released in 2024, which was followed by the hitmaker’s first ever solo tour.

Meanwhile, news of his new record comes after his former bandmates Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson both topped the UK Singles and Album charts respectively last Friday – 15 years after the band’s first single What Makes You Beautiful hit Number One. 

Harry’s new song Aperture, from his upcoming fourth solo album Kiss All The Time, Disco, Occasionally, marks the 31-year-old’s third UK chart topper.

Meanwhile How Did I Get Here? is Louis’ third solo studio album and has hit Number One like all of its predecessors.

And if that wasn’t enough Harry’s former chart-topper As It Was re-entered the Top 40 at Number 28 for the first time since 2024.

Celebrating the feat, Harry posed proudly with his award as fans wait anxiously for the release of his album on March 6. 

Zayn recently took a swipe at Harry with a jibe about ‘ticket prices’ after he was branded ‘greedy’ and ‘out of touch’ by furious fans.

It was a double whammy for One Direction fans last week after Harry Styles (pictured) and Louis Tomlinson both topped the UK Singles and Album charts respectively on Friday

How Did I Get Here? is Louis’ third solo studio album and topped the charts like all of its predecessors (Louis pictured in November) 

It comes 15 years after the band’s first single What Makes You Beautiful hit Number One L-R) Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan in 2011

Harry dropped the pre-sale tickets for his seven city global residency, called Together, Together, last week and left fans outraged by the staggering prices.

Zayn called the Watermelon Sugar singer out for the cost of his tickets, which range from £44 ($60.80) to a staggering £725 ($1,000) for his London leg of the tour.

During his Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live last Wednesday, the Pillowtalk hitmaker made the comment while speaking to the crowd in between his songs.

Dressed in a smart white blazer, Zayn joked: ‘Hopefully the ticket prices weren’t too high… just saying.’

Swiftly moving on, he added: ‘Anyway, who wants to hear another song?’