Damarea Ogbuewu
Damarea Leah Ogbuewu (born August 8,2005), also known as Damarea is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, dancer, motivational speaker, author, blogger, former artistic gymnast, soccer player, and actress. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Ogbuewu began her music career at the 2018 Annual International Literary Arts Event. After the performance her piece, I Will still Rise, she became the first African to place in the history of the event. She later became the first Nigerian-American to win an international literary arts award. She began her acting career in the 2021 film, A Promise in Africa.After she grew interested in pursuing a music career, Ogbuewu began recording songs for her debut album Miss America (2021). Ogbuewu has received various accolades and awards for her work, including being dubbed the 'Most Influential Teen' for Next Generation. She was also named 'Woman of The Year' by Speak Out!, becoming the youngest to do so.
Early Life & Career 2005-2018 : Early Life and Career Beginnings Damarea Leah Ogbuewu was born on August 8, 2005 in Columbia, South Carolina. She is the eldest daughter of a Nigerian father, a business magnate, and mother, a fashion entrepreneur and physician. Ogbuewu refers to herself as Nigerian-American. She is the eldest granddaughter of Ambassador Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, the Nigerian political figure and a former Minister of Culture and Tourism. As a child, Ogbuewu performed in the children's theater, playing her first role as Nyasha in Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. She also performed in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
She made her first national television appearance singing "The Star Spangled Banner" for the Carolina Gamecocks. She attended Pine Grove Elementary School and Dutch Fork High School. Ogbuewu departed Dutch Fork High School in June of 2020, later attending Dreher High School.
2018-2019 : International Competitions & Breaking Records Ogbuewu auditioned for the 10th Annual International Literary Arts Event, against singers, writers, and poets from China, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana, and Spain. She performed her single piece, I Will Still Rise which earned her first place in the event. She was then dubbed the 'First African to win the event, and first African to win an international literary arts competition in the history of the U.S and of Nigeria to the United States. In August of 2020, Next Generation named Ogbuewu the 'Most Influential Teen'. She was then invited to perform Nigeria's national anthem at a Women's Day Event, and later the United States' national anthem, but passed on the offer after the outbreak of the Coronavirus and before closures went into effect.
2020-Present : Michelle Obama & Public Speaking In January of 2020, Ogbuewu began citing Former First Lady Michelle Obama as a female figure who inspired her forward movement in public speaking after a two year break. She began publicly speaking on political figures as a democratic-leaning independent, as well as speaking at events for women. She announced the idea of a new book in December of 2020. Currently working quietly, and out of the public eye, she has been seen at less events, including the New York, New Year's Event due to COVID-19.
Personal Life Despite being raised as a Roman Catholic Church, Ogbuewu spoke against the church's initial stance on homosexuality. She now speaks publicly about her support for the LGBT+ community.
