Zayn Malik has explained the cultural and personal meaning behind his upcoming album Konnakol, highlighting strong Pakistani influences during a recent TalkShopLive Q&A session.

The Zayn Malik spoke about how the project reflects a new phase in his career, shaped by identity, heritage and artistic growth. He revealed that the album title is derived from Konnakol, a South Indian vocal percussion technique, signalling a shift towards rhythm-driven and traditional sounds.

Malik emphasised that the album draws heavily from the music he grew up with, particularly Pakistani and Indian traditions. He pointed to genres such as Qawwali and Sufi music as key influences, marking a departure from the pop style associated with his earlier work. The singer described the project as one of his most authentic to date, rooted in both cultural expression and personal reflection.

During the session, Malik also reflected on his journey since leaving One Direction, acknowledging how his perspective has evolved over time. “I was very young” when he left the group, he said, adding that he now feels more confident in expressing his identity through music.

The album artwork further reinforces this connection to heritage, featuring the snow leopard, an animal native to Pakistan. The imagery symbolises resilience, independence and strength, aligning with the themes explored throughout the record.

Malik has already released “Sideways”, offering listeners an early preview of the album’s tone. The track has generated interest among fans ahead of the full release scheduled for April 17.

The project also sees Malik reunite with producer Malay Ho for the first time in nearly a decade, with parts of the album recorded in Pennsylvania. He also shared personal insights during the session, including discussing anxiety and revealing that his daughter, Khai, has already listened to the album.

Konnakol represents a notable step in Malik’s artistic direction, blending Pakistani musical heritage with contemporary sounds.