Multi-platinum recording artist ZAYN has returned with his new single “Sideways”, an atmospheric pop R&B track that puts his signature breathy falsetto front and centre.
“Sideways” is the second taste of his forthcoming fifth studio album KONNAKOL, arriving on 17th April 2026 via Mercury Records/Island Records UK. It follows lead single “Die For Me,” which generated significant buzz upon its release last month and signalled ZAYN’s return to his pop R&B roots.
Described as his most culturally inspired project to date, KONNAKOL expands on the sound that made his debut album Mind of Mine such a landmark release. The album is co-produced by ZAYN alongside Malay (Frank Ocean, Lorde), the same collaborator behind Mind of Mine and Icarus Falls. The album artwork, photographed by Nabil Elderkin, features a snow leopard, a profound symbol in South Asian culture, reflecting how deeply ZAYN’s heritage has shaped the record.
KONNAKOL arrives on the back of 2024’s critically acclaimed Room Under the Stairs, which ZAYN followed with his first ever solo tour across the US, UK, and Mexico. Most recently, he teamed up with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo on “Eyes Closed”, a track that debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, racked up 43.9 million streams in its first week, and topped iTunes in over 40 countries. The collaboration earned a 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favourite K-Pop Collaboration.
Earlier this year, ZAYN also wrapped his first-ever Las Vegas residency, where he debuted unreleased material from KONNAKOL. Variety noted his “pristine vocals” and “noticeably stronger stage presence” compared to his previous tour outings.
KONNAKOL tracklist
- Nusrat
- Betting Folk
- Used to the Blues
- Sideways
- 5th Element
- Prayers
- Side Effects
- Met Tonight
- Fatal
- Take Turns
- Blooming
- Like I Have You
- Loving the Way I Do
- Breathe
- Die For Me
ZAYN will also kick off his largest solo tour to date, The KONNAKOL Tour, on 12th May 2026 in Manchester, with further dates across London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, São Paulo, and beyond. The tour concludes on 20th November in Miami, FL at Kaseya Center.
The KONNAKOL Tour — UK dates
Tuesday 12th May — Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 16th May — Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Tuesday 19th May — Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Saturday 23rd May — London, The O2
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