American rapper Nicki Minaj has called on celebrities and social media influencers to speak out over reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria, saying the situation has deeply troubled her.
The global music star made the remarks during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, where she discussed her personal connection to Nigeria and her decision to raise awareness of the issue.
Minaj said her ties to the country stemmed partly from her Nigerian pastor and her large following among Nigerian fans, popularly known as Barbz.
“My pastor is from Nigeria, so I have a link to Nigeria because of him. And of course, I have a lot of Nigerian Barbz,” she said.
Explaining why she had become vocal about the issue, the rapper said reports of Christians being subjected to violence because of their faith had disturbed her. She also questioned why the situation was not receiving greater public attention.
Minaj urged more public figures to join the campaign, arguing that influential voices could help draw attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
“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,” she said, adding that she hoped to do more to support the cause.
The comments have generated reactions on social media, with some Nigerians welcoming her intervention and expressing appreciation for her willingness to use her international platform to highlight religious violence in the country.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges, including attacks on communities and religious gatherings. However, the causes and circumstances of such violence vary across regions, making it important to distinguish between incidents and avoid attributing every attack to religious motives without supporting evidence.
Minaj’s remarks place the issue before a wider international audience and renew calls for prominent figures in the entertainment industry to use their platforms to draw attention to insecurity and the protection of religious communities in Nigeria.
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