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American rapper Nicki Minaj has said her ties to Nigeria through her pastor and reports of religious violence influenced her decision to speak out about the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
She made the remarks during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas. A video of her comments circulated widely on Monday.
The 43-year-old rapper said reports of violence against Christians, particularly in Nigeria, had deeply troubled her.
“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”, said Minaj.
According to the rapper, her advocacy is driven by concerns about freedom of religion and the safety of Christian communities.
Minaj encouraged fellow entertainers and influencers to speak out and help raise awareness of what she called the brutal treatment of Christians in Nigeria.
The “Super Bass” crooner added that many public figures avoid discussing difficult or politically charged matters because they don’t see such conversations as trendy.
She noted, “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.
“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.”
