Nicki Minaj Reveals Nigerian Pastor Inspired Her Advocacy for Christians

American rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that her Nigerian pastor and her large Nigerian fan base have strengthened her connection to Nigeria and influenced her decision to speak out about alleged attacks on Christians in the country.

Minaj made the disclosure during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas, where she called on celebrities, social media influencers and other prominent personalities to raise awareness about reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria.

The award-winning rapper explained that her relationship with Nigeria was partly shaped by her pastor’s Nigerian background and her numerous Nigerian fans, popularly known as the Barbz.

“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 Barbz,” she said.

Minaj expressed concern over reports of attacks on Christians, questioning why the issue had not received greater attention from influential public figures around the world.

She suggested that some personalities might be reluctant to speak about sensitive issues because they are not considered popular topics of discussion.

“And I thought, why isn’t anyone making a big deal out of this? And sometimes when things aren’t cool to talk about, people don’t talk about it,” she added.

The rapper called on more entertainers and influencers to use their platforms to draw international attention to the situation, expressing her willingness to continue contributing to the cause.

“So right now, I’m hoping that more celebrities or people, influencers, 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.

Minaj’s latest comments add to her previous public advocacy on religious freedom and the protection of Christians in Nigeria, including her participation in a discussion on religious violence at the United States Mission to the United Nations in November 2025.

Her remarks have renewed conversations about the role of international celebrities and social media influencers in drawing attention to insecurity and religious violence in Nigeria.

However, discussions about religious violence in the country remain complex, with attacks affecting communities of different faiths and the circumstances varying across regions.

Minaj’s comments underscore her call for greater international awareness and for influential voices to contribute to conversations about the protection of vulnerable communities and freedom of religion.