Nicki Minaj has spoken out to clarify her recent advocacy over reports of religion-based violence in Nigeria, saying her comments were motivated by personal connections to the country and a deep concern for religious freedom.
In recent weeks, the Trinidadian-American rapper has used her social media platforms to draw attention to what she described as the “targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” alleging that believers are being “driven from their homes and killed.” Her remarks sparked widespread debate online, with some international media outlets, including Rolling Stone, disputing claims of a systematic genocide and citing reports that question the scale and framing of the violence.
Despite the controversy, Minaj’s position has resonated strongly with many Nigerians, particularly those who argue that global media often downplays the severity of religiously motivated attacks in parts of the country. Supporters have praised the rapper for using her global platform to highlight what they view as a serious humanitarian crisis.
Speaking at AmericaFest on Sunday in an interview with the wife of late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Minaj explained that her comments were rooted in long-standing personal ties to Nigeria. She revealed that her pastor is Nigerian and noted the strong support she receives from Nigerian fans worldwide.
According to Minaj, her advocacy goes beyond politics or headlines and is fundamentally about the right to worship freely. She contrasted the relative freedom of religion in the United States with reports of dangers faced by worshippers elsewhere.
“We often take for granted what we have in this country,” she said. “Right now, there are people in the world who cannot worship God as they please or where they please. We cannot even imagine not having that right.”
She added that stories of people hiding to pray or being attacked during religious gatherings deeply troubled her. “Every time we pray and fellowship, we have to remember there are people in this world hiding to do the same, and we have to pray for them,” she said.
Nicki Minaj expressed particular outrage over reports of violence occurring inside places of worship, including kidnappings and killings during church services. “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 America — and that’s exactly what it did,” she said.
The rapper ended her remarks with a defiant note, insisting she would not be silenced for speaking out. “We are not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by bullies anymore,” she declared.
