West Africa sway not only over most of the other kingdoms in Yorubaland, but also over nearby African states, notably the Fon Kingdom of Dahomey in the modern Republic of Benin to the west. The Benin Empire was a pre-colonial empire located in what is now southern Nigeria. Its capital was Edo, now known as Benin City, Edo. It should not be confused with the modern-day country called Benin, formerly called Dahomey. The Benin Empire was "one of the oldest and most highly developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa, dating perhaps to the eleventh century CE". The Benin Empire
In Dahomey York Theatre, starring George Walker and Bert Williams, two iconic figures of vaudeville entertainment at the time. The musical ran for 53 completed performances, including two tours in the United States and one tour of the United Kingdom. In total, "In Dahomey" ran for a combined total of four years. Produced by McVon Hurtig and Harry Seamon, "In Dahomey" was the first to star African American performers Bert Williams and George Walker, two of the leading comedians in America at the time. "In Dahomey" opened on February 18, 1903, at the New York Theatre, and closed on April 4, 1903