Damarea Ogbuewu

Damarea L. Ogbuewu (born August 8, 2005; age 16 years), is a Nigerian-American poet, writer, author, singer, and songwriter. She is also, as of December 2021, the first African-American to win an international competition in China, specifically the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, which was founded in 1949. Ogbuewu placed second, overtaking four time winner, Ying Chang Compestine. She performed in three categories, one of theatre, one of music, and the third of writing. The competition was broadcasted on national Chinese television on December 11, 2021. Her work focuses on poverty, women's empowerment, the African and culture, race, racism, and oppression.

Early Life and Education

She was born in Columbia, South Carolina to an American mom, and a Nigerian father. Through her father, she claims Nigerian decent. Ogbuewu was raised in the city of Columbia until she began attending Dutch Fork High School in Irmo. Since then, she recalled becoming an exchange participant to foreign countries. During this time, she practiced three languages, later learning her fourth language, which include Spanish and Chinese. In 2019, Ogbuewu attended Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, South Carolina at the age of fourteen. In 2020, she attended Dreher High School.

Personal Life

Ogbuewu is a black Catholic, a member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, a parish in in Seven Oaks, South Carolina.