Luvolwethu Mayo is a poet and performer whose passion is aimed at preserving both the isiXhosa and English languages.
When the grade 11 pupil of Sinikiwe High School in Mdantsane is not on his books, he is nurturing and showcasing his talent.
The 16-year-old has written 30 isiXhosa poems and performs at Mdantsane events on weekends.
Luvolwethu is a published author, having published his first book, which was written in English, in 2023.
But now he is gravitating towards isiXhosa.
“I get to perform in events at the Mdantsane Art Centre or events around here in Mdantsane locally.
“I usually perform when I have time. For me, it is important to also find a balance between my poetry and schoolwork,” he said.
Speaking about his new journey, venturing into isiXhosa, Luvolwethu said: “I listened to local Xhosa poets such as Nolinothi Ntombezinyanya, Nongena, and many others.
“I attempted writing poems in Xhosa and it actually worked.
“I think that was because isiXhosa is my home language and I always passed it excellently with level 7s or level 6s all my life.
“I just didn’t like it that much before though, I preferred English, which is why I first wrote poems in English.
“But as time went by ... I was inspired to write poems in isiXhosa and so I did.”
Luvolwethu said he was only 13 when he wrote his first poem, titled The Call For Freedom.
“It was a poem mainly talking about discrimination and racism between people.
“Simply talking about it would make no difference to people. I was inspired to become a poet by society.
“Every single poem of mine is based on society or related to society but it is all a tool I personally use as a voice for the world to hear my own ideas, views and suggestions.
“There are a few people who inspired me to be a poet.”
Luvolwethu credits the Mdantsane Art Centre, where he drew inspiration to be a poet.
He grew up watching other poets performing their work both in isiXhosa and English and says it was “so great”.
He gave credit to his friend, Kwakhanya Balindlela, who he said encouraged him to always believe in himself despite people’s thoughts and opinions.
He said Balindlela engraved the idea in him that poetry could be used to change the world.
I love its creativity. I love its inspiration. I love its musical rhythm. I love the way poetry became a part of me
“I love the way poetry sounds and the way it feels when performing it or reading it.
“I love its creativity. I love its inspiration. I love its musical rhythm. I love the way poetry became a part of me.”
He said he had amazing mentors, Chantal Pillay and Miranda Javu, who had been supportive of his journey as a writer.
“Javu supports me where she can and she has played a motherly role in my life. I couldn’t be where I am today without her.
“My other mentor, Pillay, taught me how to be confident and in just a short amount of time, she transformed me from a little shy boy to a bold and confident person.
“[Javu] mentors me in literature and Xhosa poetry.
“She offers me opportunities to perform on stage and supports me a lot. She is the pillar of my strength,” Luvolwethu said.
He said his book, My Treasure-My Pride with 51 poems, could still be bought from him directly for R100 a copy and he hoped the public could assist him with publishing his second isiXhosa book.
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