I started Silverbird with N20,000 loan — Murray-Bruce

Founder of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, has revealed that he started the media and entertainment conglomerate with a N20,000 loan from his siblings in 1980.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday at the Infrastructure Dialogue 2026 held in Abuja, organised by Deutsche Partners Holding for entrepreneurs.

Murray-Bruce said his passion for entertainment was inspired at a young age after watching a James Brown concert at 13, adding that he had always wanted to become a concert promoter.

According to him, his early business journey was supported by a small loan from his siblings, which he used to establish Silverbird.

He explained that his concert promotion business initially grew, but was later disrupted by the 1983 military coup that overthrew the government of former President Shehu Shagari and brought then military leader Muhammadu Buhari to power.

He said the political transition led to the cancellation of several entertainment events, the collapse of communication systems, and wider instability that affected the industry.

Murray-Bruce also recalled that worsening economic conditions and foreign exchange instability in the early 1980s further crippled the entertainment business, noting that ticket prices and audience turnout were heavily affected.

He said concert promotion at the time faced major structural challenges, including lack of venues, limited media platforms, and absence of modern communication tools such as mobile phones and social media.

The Silverbird founder noted that despite the difficult environment, he only recorded a loss in one of about 20 concerts he organised.

He also reflected on his time as Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, where he said he pushed for 24-hour broadcasting despite initial resistance from staff.

According to him, the decision transformed operations at the station and marked a major shift in Nigeria’s broadcasting history.

Murray-Bruce urged young entrepreneurs not to give up on their ambitions, advising them to remain persistent, think independently and seek proper legal guidance in business dealings.

He stressed that success in entrepreneurship requires resilience, vision and the ability to take calculated risks.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Onuoha Nnachi, managing partner of Deutsche Partners Holding, praised Murray-Bruce’s entrepreneurial journey and described him as a mentor.

Former Adamawa State Governor, Boni Haruna, also encouraged young entrepreneurs to remain committed to their goals despite economic challenges.