How Nigerian Pastor Inspired My Advocacy For Persecuted Christians — Nicki Minaj

Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj has said her Nigerian pastor and reports of religious violence influenced her decision to speak out about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Minaj made the disclosure during the X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas, where she called for greater attention to reports of violence against Christians in 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.

The rapper questioned why the issue had not received greater public attention, suggesting that people sometimes avoid discussing subjects they consider unpopular.

“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.

Minaj urged more celebrities, influencers and other public figures to join efforts to raise awareness about reports of violence against 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,” she said.

In December 2025, Minaj also spoke out about religious freedom and reports of religious violence in Nigeria, citing her personal connections and commitment to the cause.

She has since used her social media platforms to highlight what she describes as the targeted persecution of Christians, alleging that they have been attacked, displaced from their homes and killed.