Veekee James
Veekee James | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ruth Erikan James |
| Born | June 9, 1994 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Origin | Akwa Ibom State |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Years active | 2019–present |
Ruth Erikan James (born 9 June, 1994) popularly known as Veekee James is Nigerian fashion designer, gospel singer and entrepreneur.[1][2] She is the founder of Veekee James, a fashion brand and also the convener of Zion Warship, a monthly gospel concert.[3] In 2021, she was the recipient of the AMVCA for best designer of the year.[4]In May 2023, she debuted her first single "Nothing Less".
Early life and education[edit]
Veekee James was born on 9 June 1994 in Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom State where she also hails from. She was born into the family of Mr Augustine James and Mrs Esther James as the only daughter among two brothers. Her father was an architect, while her mother owned a tailoring outlet. She lost her father when she was almost five years old, making her mother the sole breadwinner of the family. While she was still an infant, her family relocated to Ajegunle, Lagos State, where she also spent most of her childhood, alongside her two brothers,[5] and also acquired her primary and secondary education there.[6]
In 2015, she got into the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to pursue a degree in Biochemistry but left to pursue her passion.
Career[edit]
Veekee James started learning how to make clothes when she was still a child from her mother, Esther James.[7]
In 2019, she was inspired by her mother to start her own fashion brand "Veekee James .[8] She first started her brand by opening a fashion outlet on the Lagos Mainland, but later relocated to the Lagos Island, in search for more opportunities. With time, she founded Veekee James Man, a fashion brand for men's wears and Shoprikan, for women.
In 2022, she won the AMVCA and the Hercomony Awards as the Best Fashion Designer of the year. In 2023, she won three awards including the Future Awards Africa. In February 2023, she organized her first masterclass that helped over 100 fashion creatives from different countries develop their skills. In March 2023, she launched her podcast ‘Bible Stories With Veekee James’.
Discography[edit]
Singles[edit]
- Olugbeja[9] (2023)
- Nothing Less (2023)
Awards and recognition[edit]
| Year | Title | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Sugar Awards | Fashion Stylist of the Year | Won | |
| 2022 | AMVCA | Best Designer Award | Won | [10] |
| Herconomy Awards | Fashion Designer of the Year | Won | [11] | |
| 2023 | The Future Awards Africa | Prize for Fashion | Won | [12][13] |
| Readers Choice Awards | Best Celebrity Stylist | Won | [14][15] | |
| La Mode Awards | Bridal Fashion Designer Brand of the Year | Won | [16] |
Personal life[edit]
In October 2023, Veekee James announced her engagement to Femi Atere on social media.[17][18]In February 2024, they had their traditional wedding in Akwa Ibom State, and a vintage-themed white wedding ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.[19][20][21]
References[edit]
- ^ Enenaite, Blessing (2023-10-28). "My most expensive dress worth $20,000 – Veekee James". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Meet VeeKee James: Celebrity Fashion Designer and 2023 LLA 100 Women Honoree – Leading Ladies Africa". Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Veekee James di 'Ajegunle girl' wey turn ogbonge fashion designer". BBC News Pidgin. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Eritan: Government needs to be Intentional about SMEs Growth - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ^ Ajetunmobi, Maymunah (2023-03-14). ""Water used to reach our knees": Veekee James visits old Ajegunle neighbourhood". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ oluwaseun (2023-10-31). "Veekee James Biography (Career, Education, Net worth)". The Quest Times. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "'How my mother inspired Veekee James brand'". The Nation Newspaper.
- ^ Sobamiwa, Precious (2023-09-06). "Money increased my passion for fashion design - Veekee James". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "New Music: Veekee James feat. Shallom Matthew & Oba — Olugbeja". 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Yaakugh, Kumashe (2023-05-22). ""So much work went into it": Reactions to clips of making of Osas' AMVCA dress". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Editorial, T. W. (2022-03-28). "Herconomy Celebrates Female Excellence with Conference & Awards!". TW Magazine Website. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Award Categories". The Future Awards Africa. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Hans-Bello, Grace (2023-10-26). "Things we love to see: the trailblazing women of the Future Africa Awards". Marie Claire Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Blessing, Enenaite (2023-12-26). "2023 Readers' Choice: Veekee James wins Best Celebrity Stylist, fans praise her". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Okechi, Adaeze (2023-10-24). "VeeKee James Look At The Future Awards Africa 2023 - Fab Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "La Mode Awards 2023: Full List of Nominees For the 9th La Mode Awards". La Mode Awards.
- ^ Eze, Chinelo (2023-10-30). "Nigerian Fashion Designer Veekee James Gets Engaged". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Stephen, Onu (2024-02-11). "#Loveunbeaten24: $1930 Valentino shoe, N12m outfits, other high points from Veekee James' luxury wedding". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ^ Reporters, Our (2024-02-10). "Celebs party with Veekee James as she ties the knot". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Eze, Chinelo (2024-02-18). "Veekee James And Her 10 Stunning Wedding Attires". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Iwalaiye, Temi (2024-02-12). "A look at Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James' 10 wedding outfits". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-02-19.