Nicki Minaj Cites Pastor's Nigerian Roots in Advocacy for Persecuted Christians
American rapper Nicki Minaj has said her ties to Nigeria through her pastor, along with accounts of religious violence, prompted her to advocate for Christians facing persecution in the country.
She spoke during an X Takeover event held at Tesla's Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas, with footage of her remarks circulating widely on Monday.
Minaj, 43, described the reports of violence against Christians, particularly in Nigeria, as deeply disturbing to 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," she said.
The rapper explained that her campaign stems from concerns over religious freedom and the safety of Christian communities.
She called on other entertainers and influencers to lend their voices and help draw attention to what she described as the brutal treatment of Christians in Nigeria.
According to Minaj, the "Super Bass" singer, many public figures steer clear of difficult or politically sensitive topics because they do not consider such discussions fashionable.
"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.
"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."
Minaj has intensified her advocacy against religious persecution and violence since the United States government designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern in November 2025 over allegations of Christian genocide.
Since then, she has used her social media platforms to demand an end to the persecution of Christians, maintaining that they are entitled to freedom of worship in every nation.
The mother of one has also urged an end to bloodshed across the world.
"Shed not their blood anymore. All Nations hear this. Shed not their blood; you have shed the blood of those that called you my name. #FreeChristians," she wrote.
In November 2025, US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of Christian genocide and warned of military action if the reported killings persisted.
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