Ben Murray-Bruce talks about entrepreneurship and success with African youth
igerian entrepreneur and media mogul Ben Murray Bruce is the latest influencer to be grilled by African youth in MTV Base Meets…with MTN (MTV Base, Monday 15 August, 20:30 CAT). Bruce, who is credited with changing the face of entertainment in Nigeria by pioneering the country’s first private radio and TV stations, and who opened the first cinema chain and shopping malls in Nigeria, met with Ghanaian interior designer Kwesi Sagoe, Nigerian media consultant Adaora Mbelu, South African event organiser Sizzy M, Nigerian actress and activist Kemilala “Lala" Akindeju and Nigerian author Onyeka Nwelue.
During the interview, held in Lagos’ Eko Hotel, a relaxed Bruce shared the secrets of his success with the young panellists and opened up about his political and cultural awakening as a young radio fan during the Nigerian civil war, his distrust of monopolies and his dislike of bankers and accountants.
He also talked about Silverbird Group’s exciting move into the movie business which should see Bruce’s first feature film movie in production by 2012. When asked by MTV VJ Cynthia Okpala how to effect practical change in Africa, Bruce replied with an 5-point action plan including: solving conflicts in Africa, thinking of the big picture, get rid of bad leadership, solving economic problems and increasing investment in education. Bruce also highlighted the qualities needed for an entrepreneur to succeed in Africa: creativity; resilience, talent, the willingness to fight and persistence.
Encouraging the panellists to rise to the challenges ahead, Bruce commented, “The future is yours, the future is here, the future is now and you are the future!” MTV Base Meets Ben Murray-Bruce with MTN will be show on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on Monday 15 August @ 20:30 CAT, Wednesday 17 August @ 22:15 CAT, Thursday 18 August @ 18:30, Sunday 21 August @ 15:00 and Monday 22 August @ 16:00 CAT. Further influencers still to come in the MTV Base Meets…with MTN series include South African music legend Hugh Masekela (202 August), Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote (209 August) and R&B diva Alicia Keys (50 September).
This article was originally posted on Africa Marketing Communications
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