Veekee James: Biography, Age, Parents, Husband, Wedding, Origin

October 24, 2024 Off By Seun K.

Ruth Erikan James (born 9 June 1995), professionally known as Veekee James, is a Nigerian fashion designer and gospel singer. She has organized a gospel concert, Zion Warship, and founded the fashion brand Veekee James.

Veekee James
Veekee James is a fashion and bridal designer extraordinaire.
Quick Facts
Full name:	Ruth Erikan James
Born:	9 June 1995 (age 29 years)
Place of birth:	Lagos, Nigeria
State of origin:	Akwa Ibom
Nationality:	Nigerian
Parents:	Augustine James (father) Esther James (mother)
Education:	Biochemistry
Alma mater:	University of Uyo
Occupation:	Fashion designer, entrepreneur, songwriter
Years active:	2019-date
Spouse:	Femi Atere (m. 2024)
Siblings:	2
Contact Details
Email	enquiries@veekeejames.com
Phone number:	+2348155407621
Website:	veekeejames.com

Table of Contents

Early life

Veekee James was born Ruth Erikan James on 9 June 1995 in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria. Originally from Akwa Ibom, she has two brothers and is the only daughter of her parents.

Her father, Augustine James, was an architect, while her mother, Esther James, owns a tailoring outlet.

When Veekee was almost five years old, her father’s death left her mother the sole breadwinner. As a child, her mother began teaching her how to make clothes.

Veekee James grew to be a hustler. Since primary school, she has worked as a hairdresser, makeup artist, and other skilled workers. Her family moved to Ajegunle in Lagos, where she spent most of her childhood.

Education

Veekee James completed primary and secondary school education in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria. She studied for a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom. In 2015, she withdrew in her final year.

Career

Veekee James promotes her brand and has worked with other brands including Dolce and Gabbana and George Fabrics.

At first, Veekee James did not see the fashion business as lucrative. She continued to avoid it and aspired to be a medical doctor. She ran away from fashion after seeing her mother struggle financially as a fashion designer.

However, her mother became her source of inspiration, and she started her fashion brand, Veekee James, in 2019. She launched a fashion outlet on the Lagos Mainland, and after a while, she moved to Lagos Island in search of better opportunities.

Before opening a fashion brand, Veekee began designing clothes in her mother’s living room. Her designs gained the attention of Nigerians, including the influencer Tomike Adeoye, who started wearing and promoting them.

Veekee bagged the 2021 AMVCA for Best Designer of the Year. She also received the 2022 AMVCA and the Best Fashion Designer of the Year at the Hercomony Awards.

Eventually, the fashion designer launched Veekee James Man, a fashion brand for men’s wear, and Shoprikan for women.

Veekee James has won many awards, including the 2023 Future Awards Africa. She has helped fashion creatives from different countries to develop their skills through her masterclass.

In 2023, Veekee launched her podcast Bible Stories With Veekee James. She appeared on the Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list in 2024. Nigerians like Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), Victor Osimhen, and Josiah Akinloye also made the list.

Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James also earned a spot on CNN’s Rising Voices. She has dressed celebrities like Osas Ighodaro, Bonang Matheba, and Jackie Aina for many events, including the Africa Movie Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Veekee is a singer when she is not doing fashion. In May 2023, she released her first single, ‘Nothing Less’. In 2023, she featured Shallom Matthew and OBA in her song OLÙGBÈJÀ.

Personal Life

Veekee James married Femi Atere, a Lagos-based entrepreneur, in Akwa Ibom on 10 February 2024. The couple had a four-part wedding celebration.

The Nigerian bridal designer dated her hubby for almost two years before their lavish wedding. She met her husband when he was a manager for her friend.