In an era where genre boundaries are constantly being blurred, a new collaboration is proving just how powerful cultural fusion can be. Eelam Tamil Producer Jony Beats and violinist LaaViolin have come together to create “Red Line” with Nafe Smallz — a track that seamlessly blends Carnatic influences with UK rap.
Jony Beats, whose production credits include well-known names such as Pop Smoke, AJ Tracey and Potter Payper, describes the collaboration as something that came together organically.
Speaking to Tamil Guardian, Jony recalls thinking “this is pretty cool” after discovering LaaViolin through social media and soon after they arranged a studio session.
Laavanja Thavarajah, who goes by LaaVilion, holds a diploma in Carnatic Violin. Her passion for Carnatic violin began at the age of nine under the guidance of Smt Sugirthakala Kadatcham. Laavanja has since been involved in accompanying many Carnatic programmes across the UK while exploring her own creations by producing covers for wedding entrance music and on social media.
LaaViolin explained how the process behind creating the melody for “Red Line” was rooted in a blend of both discipline and creativity: “Coming into the studio with Jony, I made sure that I was using my training and respecting Carnatic music as much as possible, keeping its traditions,” she explains. From that foundation, she allowed herself to experiment and improvise which ultimately led to the melody that defines “Red Line.”
The track soon caught the attention of Nafe Smallz, British rapper, singer and songwriter known for creating a distinct sound of music that defies genres with his unique vocal style.
Jony recounts meeting up with the rapper in the studio and playing through beats until one stood out: “he really liked the Red Line beat.” For both artists, seeing a Carnatic-inspired melody enter a mainstream UK rap track was a particularly proud moment.
Behind the music lies a deeper personal journey, especially for Jony. Reflecting on his upbringing, he admits: “Growing up, I was very whitewashed. I had no interest in Tamil whatsoever.” Yet, he acknowledges the subtle but lasting influence of his childhood environment.
"My dad would constantly blast Tamil music when I was super young and I think subconsciously that did kind of evolve my sound.”
For LaaViolin, her relationship with Carnatic music began differently - through structure and persistence. Her journey into Carnatic music is one that resonates deeply with many in the Tamil diaspora. “From a very young age I started playing violin and my mum forced me into Carnatic music at first,” she says. Over time, however, that discipline turned into passion. “I started to learn how to be more independent… and I started to love it a lot more.”
Despite working within the mainstream music industry, Jony is clear and determined about his openness to collaboration within the Tamil creative space. “A lot of people think that since I work in the mainstream side of music I don’t really work with Tamil people,” he says, “but I’ve always been down to work with Tamil instrumentalists… to experiment.”
“Red Line” stands as a testament to that mindset — a track that bridges identities, genres and experiences. It reflects not only artistic experimentation but also a reclaiming of cultural influence in unexpected spaces.
For both artists, the journey is as meaningful as the outcome. As Jony puts it simply: “The life that I dreamed about when I was in school is the life I’m living now.”
For those looking to follow in their footsteps, his message is clear: “If you’re gonna dream, dream big.”