Violet Continues Her Rise with Co-Production Credit on Sthipla RSA’s “Funk France”

Emmanuel Daraloye

African music’s growing influence on the global stage is pushing producers to explore new creative territories. While many remain within familiar genres, others are embracing opportunities to collaborate across borders and contribute to the evolution of African music.

One producer who appears to be doing exactly that is Violet Nwagu Raphael, professionally known as Violet. Violet recently added another notable credit to her growing catalogue through her role as co-producer on Sthipla RSA’s track “Funk France,” featured on the album God of Amapiano.

Released on December 4, 2024, the project arrived at a time when Amapiano continued to dominate dance floors and streaming platforms across the globe. Originating from South Africa, the genre has become one of the continent’s most influential musical exports, recognised for its distinctive log drums, infectious rhythms, and groove-driven arrangements.

For producers outside South Africa, contributing meaningfully to Amapiano requires more than technical expertise. It demands an understanding of the culture, musical nuances, and production choices that define the genre. This is what makes Violet’s involvement on “Funk France” particularly noteworthy.

Having built much of her experience within contemporary African music, Violet’s participation in an Amapiano project demonstrates a willingness to expand her creative range and embrace sounds beyond her traditional production environment. As co-producer on “Funk France,” Violet contributed to a record that embraces the rhythmic energy and immersive atmosphere that have made Amapiano one of Africa’s most influential genres.

The song balances groove, melody, and movement in a way that appeals both to dedicated Amapiano listeners and to newer audiences discovering the genre through its global rise.

Following her move to the United Kingdom, she gained exposure to a broader network of creatives, producers, and artists working across different musical styles. That exposure appears to be informing her creative choices, encouraging experimentation and influencing her willingness to engage with genres beyond those that initially defined her work.

The record also reflects a wider trend currently shaping African music. Genre boundaries are becoming less rigid, collaborations are increasing, and producers are contributing to projects outside their traditional markets. “Funk France” stands as another strong contribution to the ever-growing Amapiano movement.

For Violet, it highlights a producer who continues to evolve, diversify, and establish herself across different corners of the African music landscape. Interestingly, Violet has hinted that there is more to come. While specific details remain undisclosed, her recent body of work suggests a creative professional steadily building momentum and exploring new opportunities beyond the sounds that first introduced her to audiences.

If “Funk France” is any indication, Violet’s willingness to embrace new genres and collaborate across borders may become one of the defining characteristics of her career. As African music continues its global ascent, producers capable of bringing fresh perspectives to different genres will remain central to that story—and Violet appears determined to be part of it.