Dahomey conquered Allada, the origin for the royal family according to oral tradition, and in 1727 he conquered Whydah. This increased size of the kingdom, particularly along the Atlantic coast, and increased power made Dahomey into a regional power. The result was near constant warfare with the main regional state, the Oyo Empire, from 1728 until 1740. The warfare with the Oyo empire resulted in Dahomey assuming a tributary status to the Oyo empire. Tegbesu, also spelled as Tegbessou, was King of Dahomey, in present-day Benin, from 1740 until 1774. Tegbesu was not the oldest son of King Agaja (1718–1740), but
In Dahomey twentieth century—minstrelsy, vaudeville, comic opera, and musical comedy." Significantly, the production of "In Dahomey" marked the first full-length African American musical to be staged in an indoor venue (following the earlier success of in a rooftop setting) on Broadway, premiering at the New York Theatre on February 18, 1903. During its four-year tour, "In Dahomey" proved one of the most successful musical comedies of its era. The show helped make its composer, lyricist and leading performers household names. "In Dahomey" was the first black musical to have its score published (albeit in the UK, not the US). The play is