American rapper Nicki Minaj has explained why she decided to publicly address reports of attacks on Christians in Nigeria, saying her comments were driven by personal ties to the country and concern over alleged violence against worshippers.
Nicki Minaj made the remarks during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday while responding to a question from Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking on stage, the rapper said Nigeria is a country she has long felt connected to, both personally and spiritually.
According to Nicki Minaj, her pastor is Nigerian, and she also has a large Nigerian fan base, often referred to as “Nigerian Barbz.” She said these connections made reports of attacks on Christians in the country especially troubling to her.
“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 added that reports of worshippers being attacked during church services pushed her to speak out publicly.
“So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion; that should spark outrage,” she said.
Nicki Minaj stressed that she believes speaking up is necessary, regardless of criticism. “We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world,” she stated.
The rapper also spoke more broadly about religious freedom, saying many people take the ability to worship freely for granted. She noted that while some communities can openly practice their faith, others are forced to worship in fear.
“We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please,” Nicki Minaj said. “Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them.”
Her comments follow an earlier social media reaction to a post by former United States President Donald Trump, who wrote on October 31 that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.” Reacting on November 1, Nicki Minaj said reading the post made her feel grateful for the freedom to worship in the United States.
“We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion,” she wrote.
At AmericaFest, Nicki Minaj also praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance, adding that Christians also face challenges in the United States, though in different forms.
“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has repeatedly rejected claims that Christians are being systematically or officially persecuted in the country. Government officials have maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges affect people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds, and are linked to broader issues such as banditry, terrorism, and communal conflicts.
Despite the official response, Nicki Minaj insists her comments are rooted in concern for religious freedom and the safety of worshippers, saying she felt compelled to use her platform to draw attention to the issue.