American rap star Nicki Minaj has explained the personal reasons behind her recent comments on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, revealing that her connection to the country and growing reports of violent attacks deeply moved her to speak out.
The award-winning artist addressed the issue during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday, where she responded to a question from Erika, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. When asked what motivated her to publicly defend Christians in Nigeria, Minaj pointed to her longstanding affection for the country and alarming accounts of kidnappings and killings linked to religious violence.
According to Minaj, Nigeria holds a special place in her heart due to close relationships she has built over the years. She shared that her pastor is Nigerian and that many of her fans, whom she affectionately calls “Barbs,” are also from the country. These personal ties, she said, made the reports of worshippers being attacked even more troubling.
“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved,” she explained. “When you hear about people being kidnapped while attending church, or others being killed and brutalised simply because of their faith, it should outrage everyone.”
Minaj went on to emphasize that she is no longer willing to stay silent in the face of such events. She stressed the importance of speaking boldly about religious persecution, regardless of criticism or backlash.
“We’re not backing down anymore,” she said firmly. “We’re not going to be silenced by bullies. We will continue to speak up for Christians, wherever they are in the world.”
Beyond Nigeria, Minaj also reflected on the broader issue of religious freedom across the globe. She noted that many people living in safer regions often overlook the reality that millions are unable to worship freely due to fear, violence, or government restrictions.
She urged people of faith to remain mindful of those who risk their lives simply to pray. “So many of us take it for granted that we can worship God freely,” she said. “Right now, there are people hiding just to pray together. Every time we gather in fellowship, we should remember them and pray for their safety.”
Minaj’s remarks have since sparked widespread discussion online, with supporters praising her for using her platform to highlight religious persecution, while others continue to debate the role of celebrities in global human rights conversations.
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