Ben Bruce reveals he was defrauded of $3.5 million in Kenya

By Tosin Brown

The founder of Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, has recounted how a South African partner defrauded him of $3.5 million in a failed attempt to purchase a cinema complex in Kenya.

Bruce shared this revelation while speaking at the opening of the 4th Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, organized by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

The 68-year-old former senator explained to the audience that after transferring the funds, his partner registered the business solely in his name, effectively cutting Bruce out of the investment.

“I was called to buy a cinema complex in Kenya for $3.5 million. I transferred the money, and my South African partner registered it in his name. That was how I lost that huge investment,” Bruce lamented.

Despite the setback, Bruce affirmed that his passion for the entertainment industry, particularly movie production, remains strong.

“The entertainment industry is incredibly successful. I’ve never ventured into movie-making before, but now I will,” he said. “I’m working on a script, and I know we’ll get it right. We’ll address fundamental issues.”

Reflecting on his early days in the 1980s in Los Angeles, Bruce revealed his initial exposure to the film industry:

“When I began my career in Los Angeles in the 1980s, I was always on the set of Good Times. Looking back, I should have started in film, not music. I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to get there. I just knew I’d find a way—whether through music or film.”

Bruce also spoke about the global recognition of African entertainment, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in the industry:

“Today, African music is being promoted worldwide. The world has changed. We need to seize the moment. We are forming partnerships to purchase a cinema chain where we can showcase our movies. Nobody is going to hand this to us.

“We have the potential to make $50 million, $100 million, or more at the box office. Is it rocket science? No. Is there a process? Yes. The difference isn’t about being Black, White, Chinese, or Japanese—it’s about the environment we create to succeed.”