Sophia Ikemba, fondly known by her fans as Soso the Pure Water Seller, has become one of the standout voices in Nigeria’s online comedy and content creation space.
Her humorous skits and memorable character portrayals have earned her loyal fans across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But behind the laughter is a young woman whose journey across Nigeria’s diverse regions has deeply shaped her art and identity.
Born in Rivers State but originally from Anambra, Sophia’s early life was a cultural mix that gave her the tools to thrive as a creative. “I had my nursery and primary education in Port Harcourt, then moved to Anambra for secondary school. Later, I studied Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Port Harcourt. Over a decade ago, I relocated to Lagos. Each of those places shaped me differently. The cultural diversity helped me become versatile, which reflects in the range of characters I portray in my content,” she shared in a recent interview.
One of the most defining chapters of her life came during her time at an all-girls convent school — Carol Standard Convent in Ichi, Anambra State — an experience she credits with instilling discipline and moral grounding. “It was a strict, structured environment. We didn’t have access to boys except during holidays,” she recalled. That transition from a tightly controlled space to the socially liberal university setting came with its own challenges. “Suddenly being surrounded by boys felt strange. I became very reserved. People often mistook that for pride, but that was just the environment I came from.”
Sophia’s content, often laced with nostalgia and social satire, pays homage to the golden era of Nollywood. “Actors like Mr. Ibu, Sam Loco, and Aki and Pawpaw really inspired me,” she said. “I also draw from everyday life. If something interesting happens, I take notes. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram help with ideas, and I also work with scriptwriters who send me regular content.”
But being in the spotlight comes with its own baggage — including unsolicited opinions and online rumours. Addressing the swirling speculations about her personal life, she said with a laugh, “I’m not married. If anyone has a husband for me, they can bring him.”
When it comes to criticism, Sophia keeps a level head. “I actually read about 30 per cent of my comments. Not for validation, but to learn. I like to see constructive criticism and improve from it. Thankfully, the positive usually outweighs the negative.”