Who is Dave? Kindly give us a brief insight.
Dave Obura is a 27-year-old creative based in Nairobi, a fashion model, men’s style influencer and content creator with a passion for fitness, lifestyle, and storytelling through visuals.
I like to think of myself as a modern-day curator of style and experiences, using fashion, fitness and creativity to inspire people to live with confidence and authenticity. Beyond the polished photos and videos, I am simply a guy passionate about growth, personal expression, and building meaningful connections through my craft.
Where and what did you study at university/college?
I studied Technology in Survey at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
Favourite and least favourite units while on campus?
I really enjoyed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). It felt like using technology to ‘see’ the world in a whole new way. But Engineering Surveying? That one truly tested my patience.
Are you currently doing what you studied for in school?
No. I am not directly practising surveying. My path shifted into fashion, content creation, and creative direction, areas where I get to express myself and build brands. But the discipline I learned in school still plays a big role in how I work.
How did you make money while on campus?
While on campus, I did a few brand marketing gigs, domain marketing and web designs. I also did online writing and transcription jobs that kept me through.
How was campus life generally?
Some days were all about books and deadlines, other days about good vibes with friends. Campus taught me more than academics. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding balance between work and life. I was working some part time jobs while in school. It was a foundation for the creative journey I am on now.
How was dating on campus?
Dating in campus was… let’s just say, an extreme sport. You meet all kinds of people, and sometimes it worked, sometimes it was just vibes, a mix of fun, confusion, and a few lessons I still laugh about today. Either way, it made for interesting stories.
What do you think of campus relationships?
Campus relationships? They are like lab experiments. Sometimes they work, sometimes they blow up, but either way you learn something.
Where did you hang out on weekends?
Weekends were always a mix: a little bit of FIFA battles at Gamer’s Paradise, sometimes club hopping in town with friends, and other times just grinding on my side hustles. I was not the ‘party every weekend’ type of person, I preferred having fun but still building something on the side.
What did you do with your free time?
In my free time, I invested a lot into my side hustles and creative experiments, from photography to small online gigs. Looking back, those moments really planted the seeds for what I do now as a content creator. It really paid off.
Classmates you will never forget?
Two names I will never forget: Lummy and Babu. Between their personalities, jokes, and mischief. Babu, that fella knew everyone on the campus. Literally everyone (laughs)
How has the modelling industry been so far, and what are the challenges you have faced?
The modelling industry has been a great journey so far. It has opened doors, built networks, and taught me discipline. But it also comes with challenges like inconsistent opportunities, undervaluation of creatives, and the pressure to constantly stay relevant in this field.
What are some of the mistakes you see young people make when trying to join the industry?
One big mistake is thinking it is all about looks. Modelling is also about professionalism, consistency, and building relationships. Many also undervalue themselves by accepting unfair deals just to get started.
Another common mistake is not treating modelling as a career. Some don’t invest in their image, portfolio, or network, yet those are what set one apart. Others give up too quickly when they face rejection, but resilience is everything in this industry.
What of male grooming? We understand you are also big on that. What mistakes do men make and how can they correct them?
Men often overlook grooming as a confidence tool. A neat beard, a good fragrance, and well-fitted clothes make you stand out without saying a word. Correcting it is simple: invest in basics, create a routine, and remember: the cleaner you look, the sharper you feel.
Any final word to the youth? What should people expect in future?
To the young, do not be in a hurry to ‘arrive.’ Build yourself slowly, stay consistent, and stay true to what makes you unique.
As for me, expect more fire content, exciting collaborations, more men’s style inspirations, creating platforms and opportunities that go beyond just me, and putting our culture on the global stage.