American rapper Nicki Minaj has elaborated on her decision to publicly address reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria, attributing it to deep personal connections to the country and profound concern over accounts of kidnappings and killings during religious activities. The 43-year-old artist made these remarks during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 21, 2025, where she fielded questions from the audience, including one from Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Minaj emphasized that Nigeria holds a special place in her heart, revealing: “Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs [fans].” She explained that hearing reports of people being “kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion” compelled her to speak out, stating that such incidents “should spark outrage” globally, not just among Nigerians.
The rapper stressed that her advocacy stems from a broader commitment to religious freedom, noting that many take the privilege of open worship for granted. “Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people who are right now hiding to pray, and we have to pray for them,” she said. Minaj vowed defiance against intimidation: “We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in the world.”
Her comments at AmericaFest build on earlier actions in November 2025, when Minaj amplified U.S. President Donald Trump's claims that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria. She shared his Truth Social post and expressed gratitude for religious freedoms in the U.S., while condemning persecution. Minaj also participated in a United Nations-related event alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, highlighting alleged targeting of Christian communities.
During the AmericaFest session, Minaj praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance for addressing everyday concerns, contrasting them with previous administrations. She argued that Christians face challenges even in the U.S. and that strong leadership is essential for protecting faith globally: “Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways. So when we talk about Nigeria and other countries, know that prior administrations saw nothing wrong with that, and that’s what was wrong with them.”
Minaj's involvement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praise her for using her platform to spotlight humanitarian issues, while critics, including some Nigerian commentators and international media, argue that claims of systematic Christian persecution are overstated. Analysts often attribute violence in Nigeria's northern and central regions to complex factors like ethnic rivalries, resource disputes, and banditry, affecting both Muslims and Christians, rather than solely religious targeting. The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected narratives of coordinated anti-Christian campaigns, insisting insecurity impacts all citizens.
Nevertheless, Minaj's personal ties—through her Nigerian pastor and dedicated fanbase—have made the issue resonate deeply for her. She framed her advocacy as non-partisan, focused on human rights: “This is not about taking sides or dividing people... it’s about uniting humanity.”
As a global icon with over 200 million followers, Minaj's voice has amplified international attention on Nigeria's security challenges, including ongoing insurgencies and kidnappings. Her December 2025 explanation reinforces her evolving public persona, blending celebrity influence with faith-based activism.
