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Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has explained her recent comments on reports of religion-based violence in Nigeria, saying personal ties and a belief in religious freedom motivated her stance.
The Trinidadian-American rapper recently used her social media platforms to draw attention to what she described as the “targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” claiming that people are being driven from their homes and killed because of their faith.
While some commentators have challenged her claims—with outlets such as Rolling Stone arguing that allegations of systematic genocide lack supporting data and citing an Al Jazeera report—Minaj’s remarks have struck a chord with many Nigerians.
Supporters accused sections of the media of trying to downplay what they see as a serious humanitarian issue.
Speaking at AmericaFest on Sunday in an interview with the wife of the late Charlie Kirk, Minaj said her comments stem from her personal connection to Nigeria.
She revealed that her pastor is Nigerian and that she has many Nigerian fans, adding that her concern centres on the right to worship freely.
She contrasted religious freedom in the United States with reports of danger elsewhere, noting that many people around the world cannot practise their faith openly.
Minaj said reports of kidnappings and killings in places of worship particularly angered her, stressing that violence based on religion should provoke outrage.
She added that she would not be intimidated into silence, insisting that speaking out on the issue remains important to her.
