Ryvaloqulty Depoetiq Monk > The Gifted Poetic Soul

Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa. It is named after the Limpopo River that flows across the province. The name "Limpopo" has its etymological origin from the Sepedi word diphororo tša meetse - meaning strong gushing waterfalls. The province was formed from the northern region of Transvaal Province in 1994, and initially named Northern Transvaal.

This province has given birth to the gifted poetic young man by the name Kwena Peu. He promotes his work under the nom de plume “Ryvaloqulty Depoetiq Monk.” This nineteen year old gifted poet is originally from Mokopane near Polokwane. He is currently residing in Bloemfontein where he studies Quantity Surveying at the University of Free State.

It’s been a little while since we had been exchanging and criticizing each other’s poems. But, quite recently, after watching his live performance at Kovsie FM on YouTube, I decided to engage him on an email interview.

First and foremost, Why do you call yourself "Ryvaloqulty Depoetiq Monk"?

Well, let's start with "Ryvaloqulty" - I derived "Ryvaloqulty" from combining two words, which are Ryval (rival) and oqulty (derived from occult). The first segment of the name was just implemented to evoke superiority and envy from fellow poets. Not in a bragging kind of way, but in a more "I live up to word" kinda way. Thus, my "superiority" is backed up by the sublimity. I believe each poem possesses "Oqulty" (occult is the formal word) is synonymous to "esoteric," which means "something understood by a few." My primary school was just a hostile environment to me, as I was bullied and mocked at. Schoolmates perceived me differently, only my few friends understood my nature. Therefore my childhood encounters emphasized more on this trait.

"Depoetiq Monk" is just an additive. It's just that cherry on top.

What inspired you to write poems?

Like many, I've found this path through hip hop. Initially listened to commercial hip hop, it was only until my master (Tom Ravenus DaEmcee) introduced me to a more conscious form of hip hop. Through engaging with underground rap, I then bumped into Spoken Word, the impact was enormous. I've always been intrigued by the articulation of words in regard to how they are expressed. I then developed more love towards Spoken Word. I wrote my first ever poem (which is the one you've just viewed on YouTube) in 2010, driven by how one can confuse love to infatuation. It was just a great feeling to have ones initial poem gaining such love. From there on, there was no ceasing me. I was propelled by the artistic work of Inaudible, Afurakan, Flow, Gemini just to name a few.

Do you have any plans of releasing a poetry book?

I actually do, I'm already compiling poems that'll specifically be part of the anthology. But it's gonna be slow process as I wanna gain immense recognition first. I also wanna engage myself with rightful and loyal people whom will not exploit me. I don't have that much of experience, but I've gained enough to encounter "wolves in sheep clothing."

How would you describe your poetry?

"Sublimity through simplicity" - Alotah poets sees being abstract as the ideal way of reaching the peak of poetic dopeness. I prefer reaching the peak of artistic greatness through delivering pieces with a graspable effect. Tending to reach a wide variety of concepts through a simple, yet impactive execution.

What is your message to ghetto youth?

We live in a society whereby our conditions could inevitably shatter our aspirations. But that's no excuse to cease in our attempts of reaching our dreams. Love what you like, and it will eventually love you back. Life is more enjoyable when you're doing something you deeply love.

Here is the link to Ryvaloqulty's video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaObn3OAUP8&feature=share


Written by


Amalahle Ashushu

Kealeboga