Meet Obako: Master of cocktails with a passion for music
Obako Clinoo poses for a photo after an interview with Mtaa Wangu on June 5th 2025.
Obako Clinoo is a name that is quickly gaining traction on the streets of Nakuru.
A multi-talented artist and mixologist, Obako has been crafting a dual career in music and hospitality balancing both with grace and relentless passion.
“I started singing back in primary school. My parents noticed my talent early on. I used to sing gospel songs, but later I switched to secular music. Even so, I’m still God-fearing,” he says with a smile
He says he used to get in trouble for damaging the blackboard in primary school as he used it as a drum.
While music has always been a part of his life, Obako’s big shift came after high school.
“In 2015, I fully decided to shift to secular music,” he explains.
“The inspiration actually began when I was still in high school. By the time I was in Form Four, it had become harder for me to write gospel songs, but secular ones came easily. My first recorded secular track was Bam Bam.”
Juggling a full-time job and a music career isn’t easy, but Obako makes it work. By day and often night, he works as a mixologist, a path that started humbly.
“I began as a steward and later got promoted to a waiter. That’s where my interest in mixology began,” he says. “It was a passion that pushed me to learn on my own. I’m self-taught, and when an opportunity presented itself, I took it.”
Obako Clinoo poses with a cocktail he made at his workplace.
Most of his music is recorded during off days or when he secures time off for shows or interviews.
“The club management is very supportive,” Obako adds. “They understand my passion and always provide a platform for me to grow.”
Additionally, he's always allowed to perform in the club during band nights and other nights which allows him to interact with his fans.
His goals are clear and ambitious. “In music, I pray my songs will be heard nationwide. I feel like people haven’t really gotten to know me yet,” he admits. “I’d love to get a platform where I can perform more often.”
As for mixology, he has a vision of opening the first purely cocktails and shots joint in Nakuru.
“I pray God opens doors for me to open a cocktail joint right here in Nakuru,” he says
Still, the journey hasn’t been without challenges, highlighting the lack of funds to record music, especially music videos.
“Financial support is a big challenge especially when I want to produce quality work in audio and video for my music,” Obako says.