Chapter 12: Communicating Peace in Benin City, Nigeria Through the Lens of the Camera

Crises have been common occurrences in African communities, both in the past and in present times. These disturbances are, however, preceded by peace and reconciliation initiatives among the disputing parties. In the pursuit of peace, dialogue has often played a significant role, but another factor that has been instrumental in the promotion of peace is the use of photographs and videos (products of the camera). This chapter highlights the benefits obtainable through the lens of the camera from the perspective of cultural troupe performance (CTP) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria whereby artists make use of the cogency of meaningful songs, dances, costumes, oral poetry, and icons as mediums of communication. This chapter focusses on how the camera has been engaged songs, dances, and costumes in CTP in Benin City to restore emotions and express cultural and historical allegiance towards the promotion of peace. Findings show that reviews of scenes captured in real or virtual time by the camera during the growth and development of the kingdom indicate that they promoted peace in the community, including contemporary society.