  GaV$_4$S$_8$ is a multiferroic semiconductor hosting magnetic cycloid (Cyc)
and N\'eel-type skyrmion lattice (SkL) phases with a broad region of thermal
and magnetic stability. Here, we use time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr
spectroscopy and micro-magnetic simulations to demonstrate the coherent
generation of collective spin excitations in the Cyc and SkL phases driven by
an optically-induced modulation of uniaxial anisotropy. Our results shed light
on spin-dynamics in anisotropic materials hosting skyrmions and pave a new
pathway for the optical control of their magnetic order.
