British pop singer Zayn Malik released his 5th solo album, Konnakol, on the 17th of April. Along with 15 songs, Malik also dropped two music videos for singles “Die for me” and “Sideways” which can be watched on Youtube. The album was co-produced by Malay, who he previously worked with on his debut solo album Mind of Mine.
Konnakol, by definition, is the art of preforming percussion syllables vocally originating in South Asia. Not only did Malik name his album after this technique but implemented it in his new album. While Malik’s music has always been culturally inspired, this album overtly fuses identity with his sound. The opening track “Nusrat” is intentionally named after musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a direct association to his Pakistani roots. Not only is his music influenced by his heritage, but so is the album cover. The symbolic cover art, which can be seen above, shows Malik’s face merged with a snow leopard, an animal native to South Asia.
In an interview with Elle India he explained this process: “We started with a click, didn’t even have a drum, which gave us the starting point, and built the track around the ad-libs and Konnakol influences, and then wrote over the track in English. Explaining, “It’s always important for me to bring my culture into things because I feel that’s what makes me, me. There are not many Indian-Pakistani artists here in the West that the world knows, so it makes it unique and individual.”
The former One Direction member announced his tour back in February, being his first headline arena and stadium tour. The Konnakol tour will begin on May 12th kicking off his UK leg, he will perform in Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow, Birmingham, and London. The American leg will then start from the 14th of June.
Unfortunately, Malik was rushed to hospital on the same day as his album release. He took to Instagram to say “To my fans- Thank you to all of you for your love & support now & always- been a long week and am still unexpectedly recovering. Heartbroken that I can’t see you all this week.”
“I wouldn’t be in the place I am today without you guys and am so thankful for your understanding. Thank you to the incredible hospital staff of Drs, nurses, cardiologist, management, admin and everyone who has helped along the way and continue to. You are all legends! Big big love xx z”
Although his illness remains a mystery, he is still scheduled to perform his first show in Manchester in the coming month. Tickets can be bought on Ticketmaster as well as other websites, and the new album can be listened to via all major streaming platforms.
