By Cookey Mba
American rapper Nicki Minaj has explained why she chose to speak publicly about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing her personal ties to the country and concerns over reported attacks on worshippers.
The rapper made the remarks during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday, responding to a question from Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk.
Minaj said, “Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs. 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 added, “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.”
The rapper also highlighted the importance of religious freedom globally, noting that many people take their right to worship for granted. “There are people in the world hiding just to pray in fellowship, and we have to remember and pray for them,” she said.
Minaj had earlier shared a post by former US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, in which he stated on October 31 that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”
Reacting to it on November 1, she wrote, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion.”
At AmericaFest, she also praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance as leaders who understand the concerns of ordinary Americans.
She further pointed out that Christians face challenges in the United States as well, emphasising that leadership matters in protecting religious freedom.
“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways. 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 said.
The rapper previously raised similar concerns during a collaboration with the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, putting a spotlight on the treatment of Christians in Nigeria and urging global awareness.
