Rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that her Nigerian pastor played a role in her decision to speak out about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Minaj shared her personal connection to Nigeria and urged more celebrities and influencers to speak up about violence against Christians.
The rapper said reports of attacks on Christians, especially in Nigeria, had deeply troubled her. She also questioned why the issue was not getting more public attention.
“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, who calls her fans Barbz, said public figures should use their platforms to raise awareness about the issue.
“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 added.
She also expressed hope that more celebrities and social media influencers would join the campaign to speak out.
“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 said.
