Silverbird Group
The Silverbird Group is a Nigerian multinational real estate, mass media and entertainment company headquartered in Lagos. The company was established in 1980 by Ben Murray-Bruce and has gone on to be one of the most popular entertainment companies in Nigeria and beyond. The company is the official organizer of MBGN and Mr Nigeria. History. The origins of firm began in June 1980, when Benedict Murray-Bruce, son of a former UAC executive, secured funds from his family to start a music promotion enterprise. The business began during Nigeria's Second Republic and was involved in promotion  of American music artists in Nigeria, the firm organized promotions for such bands as The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside and Carrie Lucas. The enterprise later delved into a dancing competition. The group later expanded into beauty pageant. In the 1990s, after the government liberalized the radio air waves, Silverbird established Rhythm 93.7 FM, initially, promoting a less talk more music brand. The radio started with old school jams and later began playing Afro hip hop. Though, Murray-Bruce also wanted a television license, his application was delayed as a result of conflicts with the management of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. In  1999, Bruce was appointed director of NTA and was soon able to get approval for Silverbird Television. The television station initially filled programming slots with syndicated foreign shows. Silverbird Productions. Silverbird Productions is a division of the company that organizes the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant which began as Miss Universe Nigeria in 1983 but was later renamed to its present name. This division is also responsible in the organization of the Mr Nigeria pageant. Silverbird Communications. The Silverbird Communications comprises the company's radio station Rhythm 93.7 FM and Silverbird Television. Rhythm 93.7 FM Lagos was established in  1997 while Silverbird Television commenced transmission in Lagos in 2003. In 2002, Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt was established and Silverbird TV was also set up. In 2008 Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos was established to serve as the bedrock of entertainment in the media space on the Plateau Silverbird Cinemas. The Silverbird Cinema is one of the biggest cinema chains in West Africa with 69 screens in branches across Nigeria, Accra and Nairobi. The first cinema was opened in May 2004 at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos. Massive commercial success has given rise to the opening of additional  multiplexes in different locations across Nigeria. , Silverbird has cinemas in the following cities in Nigeria: Abuja, Lagos, Uyo, Warri and Port Harcourt. Silverbird Properties. Silverbird Properties is one of the fastest growing divisions of the company. This division is responsible for all real-estate related activities and it currently operates in Bayelsa State and Akwa Ibom State. Silverbird Film Distribution. This division of the company is responsible for all film distribution activities. Silverbird Mall. The Silverbird Mall is located in Victoria Island, Lagos. It consists of the popular Silverbird Galleria.