Why i spoke about Christian persecution in Nigeria – Nicki Minaj

American rapper Nicki Minaj has explained why she has spoken out about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing her personal connections to the country and reports of attacks on worshippers

Minaj opened this revelation during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday, responding to a question from Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk. When asked what motivated her to speak up, the rapper referenced her ties to Nigeria and concerns over violence targeting religious communities.

She 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.”

Minaj 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.”

She also spoke on religious freedom more broadly, highlighting that many people take the right to worship for granted. “We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please. 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,” she said.

The rapper has previously raised concerns about Nigeria, including reacting to a post by US President Donald Trump on October 31 on Truth Social, in which he wrote that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.” Minaj responded on November 1, saying, “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.”