pdROLE OF MUSIC IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: USING MUSICAL THEATRE - ‘BLOOD ON OUR HANDS’ TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The role of music in conflict resolution is a burgeoning field of research, with growing recognition of its transformative potential in addressing societal divisions caused by violence and trauma. This paper explores the use of musical theatre, specifically Blood on Our Hands, an Afro-musical set in Plateau State, Nigeria, as a powerful mechanism for peacebuilding. The research investigates how music in musical theatre can foster unity and reconciliation among divided communities by engaging their cultural, emotional, and social dimensions. The play's narrative, deeply rooted in the ethnic and religious conflicts of Plateau State, showcases the profound role of music in mediating tensions and offering an alternative to conventional conflict-resolution methods. This paper analyses the thematic elements, music, and production of Blood on Our Hands to demonstrate how musical theatre can bridge cultural divides, facilitate interfaith dialogue, and provide a platform for healing the emotional wounds caused by conflict. Central to the analysis is the exploration of music’s ability to create shared emotional experiences that can lead to understanding, empathy, and social cohesion. By evaluating Blood on Our Hands as a case study, this paper argues that musical theatre offers a unique tool for conflict mediation that addresses both the psychological and social aspects of conflict. The results help expand the growing body of research on the role of music in peacebuilding and advocate for the integration of musical theatre into broader conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in Nigeria and other conflict-prone regions.