With her new single “Set Me Free,” Moroccan singer-songwriter Kenza Chekkouri crafts a radiant escape—a breezy, jazz-kissed reverie that feels like golden hour stretched into song. Blending Bossa Nova rhythms, neo-soul introspection, and storytelling finesse, the track is a masterclass in effortless sophistication, proving once again why Chekkouri stands out as a voice without borders.
From the first notes of its sunlit guitar licks, “Set Me Free” envelops listeners in warmth, evoking open roads and carefree afternoons. But beneath its easygoing surface lies a deeper narrative of release—shedding emotional weight to embrace inner peace. Chekkouri’s ethereal vocals glide between verses and chorus with hypnotic control, building tension in the pre-chorus before erupting into a liberating refrain that lingers like a sigh of relief. The bridge, infused with neo-soul wisdom, delivers the song’s quiet manifesto: sometimes freedom means walking away.
A true citizen of the world, Chekkouri distills her multicultural journey—from Marrakech’s vibrant sounds to Parisian jazz clubs and London’s songwriting scene—into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Her influences (Alicia Keys’ soulfulness, Lianne La Havas’ intimacy, Mayra Andrade’s rhythmic elegance) shimmer through, yet the result is distinctly her own.
Having left a career in fashion and consulting to pursue music, Chekkouri sings with the conviction of someone who’s earned her freedom—not just in art, but in life. “Set Me Free” isn’t just a song; it’s a manifesto for lightening the soul, wrapped in melodies that dance like sunlight on water.
A luminous, transportive gem that proves Chekkouri is a storyteller worth following. Play it once for the groove, then again for the wisdom it leaves behind. Connect With Kenza Chekkouri on Instagram
