How Nigerian pastor inspired my advocacy for persecuted Christians — Rapper Nicki Minaj

American rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that her Nigerian pastor and reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria inspired her to speak publicly about religious persecution.

The rapper made the remarks during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas, over the weekend, where she discussed her personal connection to Nigeria and called for greater international attention to reports of violence against Christians in the country.

Minaj said her pastor’s Nigerian background, alongside her large Nigerian fan base, had given her a personal connection to the country.

“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.

She also questioned why more public figures were not speaking about the issue, suggesting that some people might avoid discussing subjects they consider controversial.

“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 expressed hope that more celebrities and influencers would join the campaign to raise awareness about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

“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 said.

Minaj’s advocacy comes amid ongoing international debate over insecurity and reports of religiously motivated violence in Nigeria.

In November 2025, she spoke at a United Nations-related event in New York, where she called for greater protection for Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The rapper also addressed the issue in December 2025 during an appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona.