Sofi Ibrahim, known across social media as The Odditty, is an influencer, creator, podcast host, and founder of fashion and lifestyle platform TheOdditty, which she describes as "rooted in body positivity, confidence, and self-empowerment". She has been recognised for her impact in digital culture and was nominated for a E! People’s Choice Award for Social Star in 2021. Sofi brings her audience of over 1 million across platforms along through the process of becoming her most confident, authentic, and unapologetic self. With a Master’s in Peace & Conflict Studies, she speaks honestly and with nuance about identity, womanhood, culture, and growth. Sofi is also the host of Am I Too Loud?!, "a bold, intimate podcast centred on womanhood, self-discovery, boundaries, ambition, and the messy in-between of building a life you actually want". We ask her about how she travels, and how travel impacts her worldview.
Where do you consider home and why?
I consider Lagos home forever because that's where I was born and raised and that's where my family is as well. However in recent years I like to say I have multiple homes in New York, Accra and London.
What's the furthest you've been from home?
The furthest I’ve ever been was when I traveled for the first time out of Nigeria to the US when I was 17/18 for school. In a sense that felt like I was starting a new life and it was extremely terrifying.
Have you experienced culture shock?
ALL THE TIME! I visited the US, Scotland, St Kitts and Nevis, and so many other countries. In America, my biggest culture shock was being labelled black and confronting systemic racism in a way that my African self had never been exposed to. In other Caribbean countries I’ve been to, the culture shock stemmed from me realizing how similar the diaspora truly is. It’s been such a gift to experience all that.
Where have you lived apart from your hometown?
I’ve lived all across America, from West Virginia to New York City, and because life is now here in the US
What are your 3 travel essentials?
My Passport/American ID, my skincare bag and my running shoes!
What do you prefer to wear to travel in?
I am always in a sweatsuit because I love comfort when I travel. I envy folks who dress up because that could never be me. I love an elevated dressed down look so a nice matching set! I don’t even do leggings cause they are too tight - I need maximum space to fly in a tin can in the sky.
Any travel tips?
I always carry a “24-hour survival kit” in my personal item in case my bag disappears, so my meds + vitamins, toothbrush/toothpaste, travel deodorant + wipes, phone charger + power bank, one clean underwear set + socks and a simple top that I can re-wear!
Where have you visited in Africa, and where would you like to explore next?
I have only been to Ghana and Nigeria unfortunately - I hope to be able to travel to more African countries but travel within Africa has been frustrating for me. I have attempted to visit Mozambique and Tanzania and the visa process is a nightmare. Hopefully travelling within Africa becomes easier for Africans.
Any travel tips, advice or suggestions for visitors to Nigeria?
I always tell any new traveler visiting Nigeria to make sure they have someone in the country to guide them and/or are coming through a tour company. Navigating Nigeria by oneself is not always advisable, especially in Lagos. The city would eat you alive and that's the beauty of it! Other than that - always plan to have a great time when visiting Nigeria and see other parts not only Lagos! I love telling folks to visit KAP in Oyo state or travel to Jos or Abuja for more scenic experiences and even Olumo Rock! Do activities other than brunch/dinner and partying! See a play!
Your hidden treasure - what's your favourite discovery so far? Your go-to place to eat, hang out or escape to in your city?
If you mean in my city as in New York, then I don't know where to begin! I always let folks know to see a Broadway show whenever they are in the city and also enjoy an open floor helicopter ride to see the beautiful skyline of NYC! I know that sounds insane but I swear that's NYC for you and what better way to see the city than from above it. Honourable mentions here are visiting the West Village, Chinatown, Governors Island, eating at Lagos TSQ or Native Harlem (for some African food) and my all-time favourite Scarpetta.
And your favourite city in Nigeria?
ALWAYS FOREVER WOULD BE ABUJA!
What are the last couple of souvenirs you've picked up on your travels?
I am usually a necklace or jewelry type of girl! I love finding unique pieces of jewelry especially rings when I travel and I keep those forever! Since I am not always stationary when I do buy these, I keep them safe for my future kids maybe?
How does travel inspire you and inform your work?
Travel breathes life and meaning into what I do. I hate being stagnant and also hate not having the freedom to be wherever and do whatever I want. I love travel because it lets me find myself every single time. Every new country/city is an opportunity to reinvent myself.
What’s your favourite thing about travelling?
My favourite thing about traveling is finding unique experiences. Humanity, I feel like is often at war because we fear the unknown. When you travel, you are exposed to so many different cultures that it's almost impossible for you to fear other people. Travel lets you open your eyes to so much!
What's your favourite comfort food?
And what’s the one thing you look forward to eating when you travel? Jollof rice and goat meat all day, every day, but I will say when I travel I am the pickiest eater. My goal this year actually is to try more local cuisines in the countries I visit.
Ticket & hotel reservations are a huge part of travelling. How do you handle that?
I am pretty locked in with my airline loyalty points and as a member most of this is handled for you. Curated experiences with Delta Skymiles or my AMEX travel would always win all day, every day! If not, my go to is always TikTok! Someone somewhere has traveled to the place I want to go... I just have to find them.
Where did you go on your last trip, where are you going on your next trip, and what are you looking forward to?
My last trip was to Accra Ghana for detty December, and my next trip would probably be to an island country to escape the winter in NYC right now, and I am definitely looking forward to sipping rum punch on the beach.
