Since his debut in 2019, Tawsen has been determined to prove the importance of knowing where you come from. Born on the tail end of the 1990s in Italy, but raised in Belgium to Moroccan parents, the cosmopolitan crooner cruises through genres without ever forgetting to reflect his roots through his music.
With his three native languages— Italian, French, and Arabic— articulating the many topics and emotions he sonically explores, the 27-year-old is a regular fixture on European charts. His debut EP, Al Ward, released at the dawn of the new decade, once positioned the Brussels-based artist as a promising talent to pay close attention to. Five years later, his status as an up-and-comer became obsolete, having established himself as a heavyweight in his own right.
In that same timeframe, he also founded his own record label, dubbed SAWT— which means voice in Arabic and also stands for “Such A Wonderful Time” — through which he now drops his own songs. His first independent release, Zahri, which came out in December, soared to the top of many music lists across the region, including his native Morocco, proving that he can now stand on his own two feet with a reach and impact many can only envy.
Having collaborated with some of his home country’s most followed and listened-to artists— including ElGrandeToto, Draganov, and Zamdane— as well as other notable musicians from the Western world, such as Belgian lyricist JeanJass and French-Congolese hitmaker Franglish, Tawsen’s roster of collaborators speaks volumes about his versatility and ability to adapt to any genre. Often delving into themes of love, tumultuous relationships with women, and the complexities of modern-day romance, his relatable storytelling coupled with his heartfelt delivery make him a favorite to approximately 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
With three EPs and one mixtape under his belt, the singer and songwriter just announced his comeback after a three-year hiatus with a new project titled Na3na3 Radio. Coming in the form of a five-track playlist presented through an imaginary FM station, the name of the project is a nod to his fans’ affectionate nickname for him (Na3na3 Daddy), as well as the main ingredient of Morocco’s national drink, mint tea.
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Marking his first comprehensive body of work after years of releasing singles, Tawsen has so far unveiled two tracks from Na3 Na3 Radio, namely Sokkar and Dawini — the latter currently holding the #4 spot on Spotify TOP50 Morocco. He is expected to release the remaining three tracks on Jul. 5 alongside his EP, featuring collaborations with Moroccan-German artist Ataypapi and French-Algerian sensation Danyl.
To celebrate the occasion, we sat down with Tawsen to learn more about him, his influences, and this forthcoming project.
Where does the name Tawsen come from?
“Tawsen comes from my family name, Taws, which means peacock in Arabic.”
How would you describe your music?
“I make pop music; I don’t try to limit myself, my sounds can be inspired by hip-hop, rai, chaabi, afro, and even alternative music. But above all, it’s pop music.”
Where and how did your relationship with music start?
“I started making music in Brussels at the age of 18. At first it was just for fun with my classmates, I didn’t think I’d make a real career out of it to be honest.”
Can you tell us more about your upbringing between Italy and Belgium. Why do you tend to describe yourself as a ‘New Arab’?
“Growing up in Italy wasn’t the easiest thing, it’s a racist country and my family and I experienced that, which is why we left. In Belgium I was able to grow up surrounded by foreigners. It’s nice to have people around you who look like you. But as you get older, you realize that you don’t really fit in. No matter where you go, prejudice will follow. ‘The New Arab’ is a way of addressing the prejudice that people already have about us Arabs.”
By the looks of it, your Moroccan roots play a big part in how you make music.
“When I started making music, I immediately wanted to be different and represent my country. That’s why I mixed Arabic and French, and that’s why I wanted to make videos in Morocco. I didn’t want to be like the other artists and follow the same codes ormake the same music. I wanted something that sounded like me and the people around me.”
How did you decide on singing in three languages?
“Singing in three languages came very easily to me. I never really thought about it, it’s an advantage I have. I just had to use it and I knew it would help me reach a wider audience. Today, it’s much easier for me to write in Arabic, and I have a lot more fun doing it.”
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Love seems to be a central theme in many of your songs. Are you as emotional in real life as you come across in your music?
“Absolutely not, I think it’s thanks to music that I’m able to express so many feelings. I write a lot on this theme because for me what unites us all, regardless of language or skin color, is love.”
At which point of your career is this project coming?
“This project marks a new era for Tawsen. I took a three-year break to prepare myself better artistically, physically, to learn a little more about the business and refine my art. I’ve released four projects, but I’ve never felt really in charge. Today I have my own label, I make my own choices, and I can’t wait to find out what’s next.”
Why call it ‘Na3 Na3 Radio’? What was the inspiration behind it and its format? Talk us through the creative process.
“Na3 Na3 Radio is a playlist; it’s a gift I’m giving the public while we wait for the album, it’s a preview of what’s to come. I really wanted to have fun and invited Arab artists from all over the world, plus mint tea is my favorite drink ever.”
What do you hope listeners will take away from it? Do you have a favorite song in it? If so, which one?
“First of all, I hope the fans will like it— it’s always difficult to release music after being away for so long. I also want this project to be with them this summer, on vacation, at home, working, with their families, their loved ones. My favorite song is Ana W Yak, I can’t wait to listen to it on a terrace watching the sunset.”
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and plans for the next phase of your career?
“I just want to have fun and bring my music to a new audience. I dream of doing concerts and festivals all over the world and taking Arab music to a new level.”
