Zayn Malik will release a track titled “Nusrat” in his upcoming album Konnakol, placing a direct reference to qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan at the centre of his latest project, which draws on South Asian musical influences.

The album, scheduled for release on April 17, features 15 tracks and marks a shift in Malik’s sound, with elements of qawwali and Sufi music shaping the production and vocal style. 

The title Konnakol refers to a South Indian vocal technique that uses rhythmic syllables to mimic percussion.

 

The upcoming project also includes a track titled “Nusrat,” referencing legendary qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, signalling a direct nod to the genre’s influence on the album.

 

Listeners can expect a blend of contemporary R&B with traditional sounds, as Malik leans into cultural elements tied to his background. The project reflects a deliberate move towards incorporating familiar influences rather than exploring new ones.

 

The album’s visuals follow a similar direction, with cover art depicting Malik alongside a snow leopard, an animal associated with South Asian regions, including Pakistan.

 

Malik has previously spoken about his appreciation for South Asian music, including tracks like “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” originally performed by Sonu Nigam, which point towards the melodic direction of the new release.

 

The singer, who debuted as a solo artist with Mind of Mine in 2016, has since released Icarus Falls (2018), Nobody Is Listening (2021), and Room Under the Stairs (2024). Konnakol will mark his fifth studio album.

 

He first rose to prominence as a member of One Direction after auditioning for The X Factor in 2010, before transitioning to a solo career.