Nicki Minaj has explained why she chose to speak out about the reported persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing her personal ties to the country and reports of violence against worshippers. The rapper addressed the issue during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday, responding to a question from Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk. When asked what inspired her to speak up, Minaj pointed to her connection to Nigeria and concerns over attacks on religious communities. “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 said. 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.” Minaj also reflected on the global importance of religious freedom, pointing out 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 expressed concern over the situation in Nigeria, including reacting to a post by former US President Donald Trump on October 31 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.” PUNCH Online reports that Minaj also drew attention last month to the treatment of Christians in Nigeria during a collaboration with US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz. At AmericaFest, she praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance as leaders who understand the concerns of ordinary Americans. During the event, Minaj noted that Christians also face challenges in the United States, stressing that leadership plays a crucial role 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,” she said. The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly rejected claims of a coordinated or systematic persecution of Christians. Authorities maintain that insecurity affects Nigerians of all faiths and that the country’s security challenges are complex, not the result of a state-backed campaign against any particular religion.
