Moroccan singer Tawsen is opening a brand new chapter in his musical journey. After generating millions of streams worldwide with previous projects, the artist has officially dropped his highly anticipated debut album, Chokran. Released independently under his own label SAWT, this new 15-track project is a deeply personal reflection on his life.
The word “chokran” is often one of the first words people learn in Arabic. It simply translates to “thank you”. For Tawsen, this word serves as the guiding force behind the entire album. Following the success of recent singles like Den Den and Khallini, Chokran acts as an open letter to the people who shaped him. It is a moment of pure gratitude directed at his loved ones, his roots, and his cultural influences.
A journey across different cultures
Tawsen was born to Moroccan parents and raised between Morocco, Belgium, and Italy. Because of this diverse background, his music naturally sits at the crossroads of different worlds. He fully embraces this unique story in his debut album. He acknowledges that his past challenges were not dead ends but fresh starting points for his creative vision.
Listeners will quickly notice how seamlessly Tawsen moves between languages on this project. He sings in Darija, Egyptian Arabic, French, and Amazigh. The album also takes fans on a vibrant musical trip through the sounds of the Arab world and beyond.
You will hear Afro influences on the track Nor and catchy Amapiano beats on Ya Gamali. He explores traditional Raï on Nsayni and brings in energetic Mahragan sounds alongside Fares Sokar on Estanna. For fans of deep Moroccan heritage, Chokran Bezzaf offers beautiful Gnawa-inspired rhythms.
The story behind the blue peacock
The visual identity of Chokran is just as important as the music itself. Blue and the peacock are the central themes of this era. Tawsen takes his stage name from his family name, Taouss. This translates to “peacock” in Arabic. It is an animal that perfectly symbolizes pride, elegance, and confident self-expression.
The prominent blue color palette is a nostalgic nod to the famous Tabsil Taouss, or the Peacock Plate. This blue and gold decorative plate is a staple in Moroccan households and across the diaspora. It is a shared cultural symbol that is present during life’s biggest celebrations and hardest moments. The album cover offers a modern take on this iconic plate.
The cover art also highlights the importance of connection and sharing. Tawsen does not present himself as a solitary hero. Instead, he highlights the community behind his success. Women take a central place in this artwork as sources of life and inspiration. He is surrounded by talented musicians he affectionately calls his “girls band”. Dressed in the signature blue of the Chokran universe, they help Tawsen stand proudly at the intersection of his culture and personal history.
Chokran is available now on all major streaming platforms. Listen to the full project on Spotify below:
Turning up the volume with Zid Sawt
To celebrate the album launch, Tawsen released a stunning music video for the focus track Zid Sawt. The title translates to “Turn Up the Volume”. From the very first few seconds, Zid Sawt grabs your attention. It opens with classic Raï-inspired sounds before taking a surprisingly modern turn. This track perfectly captures the central theme of contrast found throughout Chokran.
Directed by Farid Malki, the music video perfectly expands the universe of the album. The striking blue color palette returns. Tawsen is seen moving forward alongside his dedicated band, who accompany and protect him throughout the visual narrative. It is an introduction filled with confidence and character.
You can watch the full music video for Zid Sawt right here:
