Tawsen presented his new album, Chokran, on june 18th in Casablanca. It’s his first studio album that transforms a difficult chapter in his career into a message of gratitude, resilience, and self reflection, said the artist to TelQuel English.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was festive and informal. Held at Café JUJ, the event brought together a largely young audience, including artists such as Shobee, Ouenza, Kawtar, and Ayoub Anbaoui, alongside producers, influencers, media representatives, and figures from Morocco’s music industry. Music played continuously as guests mingled, took photos at dedicated installations, and exchanged conversations across the venue.
The release itself was met with an enthusiastic response. Tawsen performed two songs from the new project, beginning with Zid Sawt, which prompted audience members to sing along and dance. The crowd’s reaction was so strong that attendees called for the song to be replayed after the performance ended. He later performed Dawini featuring Ayoub Anbaoui , further energizing the audience before the evening transitioned into a Dakka Marrakchia performance that had guests dancing and celebrating together.
Behind the celebratory atmosphere, however, Chokran emerged from a tumultuous chapter in the artist’s career. Speaking to TelQuel English, Tawsen explained that the album was shaped by nearly three years of production related challenges that kept him away from releasing music. Reflecting on his return, he said he faced a choice between responding with bitterness or gratitude. « I had two options: to come back and say, ‘I’m back, do you think I’m dead?’ or to come back saying chokran to everyone », he said.
This album, to me, is the comeback of the peacock. As the phoenix is always rising from the ashes, now it’s the peacock rising.
The album’s title, which translates to « thank you » reflects the path he ultimately chose. Rather than focusing on setbacks, Tawsen said he wanted the project to acknowledge the people who supported him and the lessons he learned during that period. For the artist, the album represents both a return and a rebirth. « This album, to me, is the comeback of the peacock. As the phoenix is always rising from the ashes, now it’s the peacock rising. », said Tawen, as his artistic name is derived from « Taws » (peacock).
Although he has been active in music for years, Tawsen described the project as a fresh start, adding that the experience has made him feel like a newcomer releasing music for the first time.
That idea of renewal also informed the album’s visual identity. Blue, the color associated with the album Chokran, carries both personal and cultural significance for the artist. Tawsen explained that it references the peacock, while also evoking the traditional blue Tabsil Taws found in many Moroccan households, linking the project to a familiar element of Moroccan cultural heritage.
The album explores a wide range of themes, including love, heartbreak, depression, identity, and the experience of mixed Moroccans navigating life between Europe and Morocco. Discussing the project’s romantic themes, Tawsen jokingly remarked: « I don’t believe in love anymore. »
Questions of belonging remain central to both the album and Tawsen’s broader artistic vision. When asked about the influence of his mixed identity, the artist described it as the foundation of his work. « That’s the main thing about my music » he said.
According to Tawsen, Chokran represents a balance between Europe and the Maghreb, bringing together the cultural influences that have shaped his life. The artist noted that this blend extends beyond the album’s themes and into its musical language, incorporating influences from Moroccan, French, Italian, Spanish, and Egyptian musical traditions.
Asked to recommend a single track from the album to new listeners, Tawsen chose the title track itself. « Chokran » he said. « It represents the whole energy: being grateful, thanking everyone who’s here, my fans, my family, chokran bezzaf. I think it represents the whole energy and vibe. »
