American rapper Nicki Minaj has explained why she chose to publicly speak about the situation facing Christians in Nigeria, saying the country holds deep personal meaning for her and that reports of violence against worshippers are deeply troubling.
Minaj addressed the issue during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest, where she took questions from the audience.
When asked about Nigeria, the Grammy-winning artist said she could not ignore what she described as disturbing reports of kidnappings and killings linked to religious worship.
According to her, Nigeria is not just another country in the news. She said it is a place she has always loved and feels closely connected to through people in her life and her fans.
“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved,” Minaj said. “Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian Barbs.”
She explained that these personal ties made it impossible for her to remain silent. Minaj noted that her Nigerian fan base, popularly known as “Nigerian Barbs,” has consistently supported her career over the years.
Because of that connection, she said the reports coming out of the country affected her deeply.
The rapper said she was particularly disturbed by reports of Christians being attacked while attending church services. She described such incidents as unacceptable and said they should provoke global outrage.
“So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed and brutalised, all because of their religion, that should spark outrage,” she said.
Minaj stressed that silence in the face of such reports only empowers oppression. She said she has reached a point where she is no longer willing to stay quiet about issues of faith and persecution, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation may be.
“We’re not backing down anymore,” she declared. “We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.”
Beyond Nigeria, Minaj also spoke more broadly about religious freedom around the world. She pointed out that many people do not enjoy the basic right to worship freely and openly. According to her, those living in countries where religious freedom is protected often take that privilege for granted.
“We take for granted that there are people right now in this world who cannot worship God as they please, where they please,” she said.
She urged people to remember those who are forced to practise their faith in secrecy. Minaj said prayer should not only focus on personal needs but also on those who risk their lives simply to worship.
“Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people who are hiding to pray in fellowship,” she added. “And we have to pray for them.”
Her comments at AmericaFest came weeks after she reacted to a social media post by former United States President Donald Trump. Trump had claimed that Christianity was facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria. Minaj responded at the time by expressing gratitude for the freedom to worship in the United States and condemning religious persecution.
“Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude,” she wrote then. “We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion.”
During her AmericaFest appearance, Minaj also praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance. She said they understand the concerns of ordinary people and are willing to address issues others avoid.
She added that Christians also face challenges in the United States, though in different forms. According to her, strong leadership plays a key role in protecting religious freedom everywhere.
“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways,” Minaj said. “So when we talk about Nigeria and other countries, know that prior administrations saw nothing wrong with that, and that’s what was wrong with them.”
Minaj’s remarks have since sparked debate online, with supporters praising her for using her platform to speak on global issues, while critics questioned her comments. Still, the rapper made it clear that her stance is rooted in personal conviction, faith, and concern for human rights.
For Minaj, the message was simple. Religious freedom matters, silence is not an option, and persecution anywhere should concern people everywhere.
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