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The Trinidadian-American rapper urges celebrities and influencers to raise awareness about reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that her Nigerian pastor inspired her to speak publicly about reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria, calling on celebrities and social media influencers to draw greater international attention to the issue.
Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, made the remarks on Saturday during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas, United States.
The award-winning singer said her pastor’s Nigerian background, alongside her large Nigerian fan base, had given her a personal connection to the country.
She said reports of violence against Christians prompted her to question why more prominent public figures were not discussing the issue.
“For Nigeria personally, my pastor is from Nigeria, so I have a link to Nigeria because of him. And of course, I have a lot of Nigerian barbs, but what I started seeing was the brutality with which Christians are being treated there just for being Christian,” she said.
Minaj refers to her fans as Barbz. She said she hoped more influential personalities would use their platforms to bring attention to the situation.
Minaj Urges Celebrities To Speak Out
The rapper suggested that some public figures avoid sensitive subjects because they fear controversy or believe the issues are unpopular.
“And I thought, why isn’t anyone making a big deal out of this, you know? And sometimes when things aren’t cool to talk about, people don’t talk about it,” she said.
Minaj encouraged fellow entertainers, influencers and other prominent personalities to join the conversation about violence against Christians in Nigeria.
She said wider participation could help sustain public attention and encourage more discussion about religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable communities.
“So right now, actually, I’m hoping that more celebrities or people, influencers, I’m hoping that they come aboard the train to start speaking out about what’s happening to Christians in Nigeria. And I look forward to doing more to help in that way, in that cause,” she added.
The rapper also indicated that she intended to continue using her platform to support the cause.
Minaj’s comments come amid continuing concerns about attacks on communities, religious institutions and civilians in different parts of Nigeria.
The country faces several security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and communal violence. The causes and patterns of attacks vary across regions and incidents.
Some attacks have targeted Christian communities and religious institutions, while other incidents have affected Muslims and people of different backgrounds.
Nigerian authorities have disputed claims that the country’s security crisis represents a coordinated or systematic campaign against Christians, maintaining that insecurity affects people across religious communities.
Minaj’s remarks reflect her concerns about the treatment of Christians and her call for greater international attention. They do not, by themselves, establish the motivations behind individual attacks or settle the wider debate about the nature of Nigeria’s security crisis.
Personal Connection To Nigeria
Minaj said her Nigerian pastor helped establish her personal connection to the country. She also pointed to her substantial Nigerian fan base as another link.
Her comments add to her previous public statements on religious freedom and reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria.
In November 2025, the rapper spoke at a United States-organised event at the US Mission to the United Nations in New York, where she raised concerns about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria.
Her latest appeal again places an internationally recognised entertainer in discussions about religious freedom, security and the role of public figures in raising awareness of humanitarian concerns.
Minaj said she hoped more celebrities and online influencers would join the conversation and indicated that she planned to do more to support the cause.
