We love great conversations here at Wordplay & Flow so we had to connect with the one and only SWVrthy. Also known as Spoken With Vision, SWVthy is a London based poet who has a magical way with words and effortless one-liners that will have you laughing for days. The writer takes pride in his slick wordplay and flows that have made him a household name on the London arts and culture circuit. We unpack how it all began and where it’s heading for the brilliant SWVrthy.
Involved in the arts from a young age, SWVrthy participated in community work when he was 15 years old. The organisation’s focus was to tackle knife crime and this inspired him to start writing about subjects that were most meaningful to him. Movies such as Freedom Writers along with hip-hop added to his motivation to write more and eventually take the step towards performing in front of an audience.
Over time I started to unpack different memories through writing. Movies, rap, and hip-hop all encouraged me to write and rhyme.
SWVrthy
SWVrthy has always had a love for being on stage. He started with school plays and dance as a teenager before an injury forced him to direct his creative outlet elsewhere. Drama monologues were a favourite until he realised that it wasn’t so different from spoken word. SWVrthy produced a monologue fused with poetry for the Big Deal showcase as a part of Studio 3 Arts which was the catalyst for his development as a formidable wordsmith.
Performing from a young age has helped me eliminate the fears associated with having all eyes on me.
SWVrthy
After a spell living out of London, SWVrthy returned in 2019 to his first headline before the pandemic hit. Once lockdown lifted he made it clear that nothing was going to stop him from being heard. He featured at as many live poetry events as possible and secured headline sets at prominent spots like Poetivity, Poetic Unity, and Luna Legacy to name a few. Describing his style of work as abstract, he let’s us know what this means to him:
The beauty of my abstract work is that it is created when I’m most present. It allows me to express thoughts, beliefs, values, and emotions without restraint.
SWVrthy
Outside of writing and performing, SWVrthy is a passionate painter and art lover. Just like his monologues and poetry, his artistic style is abstract, leaving the viewer to make their own interpretations of what they see. This fits in perfectly with the Master Arts event that he will be launching which will combine a masterclass and exhibition for an immersive experience. The creative is also working on his debut book called ‘Poetical Violence’ which will act as a blueprint of his growth for his future generations. The book will give insight into the physical, mental, and emotional battles that SWVrthy has survived to become the artist he is today.
I master peace like Pac by taking you on a journey that allows you to witness a blossom in a concrete jungle.
SWVrthy
Creative Director/Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor
Photographer: Seun Sontan @seunsontana
Cover Design: Simplexity Creative Counsel: @simplexitycc