Nicki Minaj has clarified her recent advocacy regarding reports of religion-based violence in Nigeria, citing personal connections and a commitment to religious freedom as her main motivations.
The Trinidadian-American rapper has recently used her social media platforms to highlight what she calls the “targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” claiming they are “being targeted, driven from their homes and killed.”
While some have contested her claims—publications like Rolling Stone argue that allegations of systematic genocide are unsupported by data and reference an Al Jazeera report—Minaj’s position has resonated with many Nigerians. Supporters have criticized media outlets for what they view as attempts to downplay a serious humanitarian crisis.
In an interview with the wife of the late Charlie Kirk at AmericaFest on Sunday, Minaj explained that her statements are motivated by her personal ties to Nigeria. She revealed that her pastor is Nigerian and that she has many Nigerian fans, adding that her comments are rooted in a fundamental concern for religious liberty. She contrasted the freedom of worship in the United States with the dangers reported elsewhere.
“That brings me back to our great president, this administration, and our great country that we often take for granted. Right now, in this world, there are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please. We take it for granted because we have it. We cannot even imagine not having that right,” she said.
“But every time we pray and fellowship, we have to remember there are people in this world hiding to pray and fellowship, and we have to pray for them. First of all, Nigeria is a place I have always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian. I have lots of Nigerian fans.”
Minaj expressed particular outrage over reports of violence in places of worship.
“Hearing that people are being kidnapped while they are in church, that people are being killed and brutalised all because of their religion should spark outrage in great America, and that is what it did,” she said.
“And again, we are not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by bullies anymore.”