American rapper has explained her decision to publicly speak out about the situation facing Christians in , citing personal connections to the country and growing concern over reports of violence targeting worshippers.
Minaj addressed the issue during a surprise appearance at , where she responded to questions from members of the audience. While answering a question related to Nigeria, the rapper said the country holds deep personal significance for her, making it impossible to ignore reports of kidnappings and killings linked to religious persecution.
According to Minaj, her concern is rooted not only in global awareness but also in close personal ties. She revealed that her pastor is Nigerian and noted that she enjoys strong support from fans in the country, popularly known as the “Nigerian barbs.” These relationships, she said, compelled her to speak out rather than remain silent.
“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved,” Minaj told the audience. “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.”
The rapper said reports of attacks on Christians during church services and religious gatherings should concern the global community, stressing that freedom of worship is a fundamental human right that should never be violated. She argued that silence in the face of persecution only emboldens those responsible for oppression.
“We’re not backing down anymore,” Minaj said. “We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.”
Her comments drew strong reactions both from supporters who praised her for using her platform to highlight human rights concerns and from critics who questioned entertainers weighing in on sensitive geopolitical and religious issues. Minaj, however, maintained that moral conviction should not be constrained by celebrity status.
Beyond Nigeria, Minaj used the platform to reflect on the broader issue of religious freedom worldwide. She noted that many people across the globe are unable to practise their faith openly and safely, a reality she said is often taken for granted in countries where such freedoms are protected by law.
“We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please,” she 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.”
Minaj’s remarks at AmericaFest followed comments she made weeks earlier on social media, reacting to a post by US President , who claimed that Christianity is facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria. At the time, Minaj expressed gratitude for her own freedom to worship and condemned religious persecution in any form.
“Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude,” she wrote. “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 spoke about leadership and its role in protecting religious liberties. She praised Trump and Vice President , saying they understand the concerns of ordinary people and are more willing to address issues related to faith and freedom.
She argued that challenges facing Christians are not limited to developing countries, pointing out that believers also encounter different forms of discrimination and hostility in the United States. According to Minaj, leadership matters when it comes to safeguarding religious rights both domestically and internationally.
“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways,” she 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.”
Her comments come amid ongoing international discussions about insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where religious and ethnic tensions have contributed to violent attacks, particularly in rural communities. Human rights groups and faith-based organisations have repeatedly called for stronger protections for civilians and accountability for perpetrators.
Minaj did not present herself as a political expert but said her intention was to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. She emphasised that her stance is rooted in compassion and faith rather than politics, urging people of all backgrounds to speak out against injustice wherever it occurs.
The rapper’s intervention highlights a growing trend of global celebrities using their platforms to address humanitarian and religious issues, particularly those affecting regions with strong fan connections. For many Nigerian fans, her comments were seen as a sign of solidarity and recognition from one of the world’s most influential music figures.
As reactions continue to pour in, Minaj remains firm in her position, insisting that protecting the right to worship freely is a universal responsibility. She concluded by urging continued prayer and advocacy for those facing persecution, warning against complacency in a world where such freedoms cannot be assumed.
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