Rapper Nicki Minaj takes Nigeria’s crisis to the UN, here’s what you need to know
American rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected turn on the global diplomatic stage when she addressed a United Nations event focused on religious violence in Nigeria, urging world leaders to address what she described as the targeted killing and displacement of Christians.
The event, hosted by the U.S. Mission to the UN and titled “Combating Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria,” featured Minaj alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz, Nigerian religious leaders, and survivors of attacks.
“Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray,” Minaj said.
Although her remarks focused on Christian victims, Minaj stressed that calling for their protection should not be seen as taking sides. “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about dividing people. It is about uniting humanity,” she said, adding that the issue has global implications as religious violence spreads in several regions.
The rapper, who has a large Nigerian fan base, also spoke about reported attacks on worship centres. “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit. And the foundation of the United Nations… should shake,” she said.
Ambassador Waltz, who introduced Minaj, described the violence as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos,” saying attacks on Christians had long been underreported. Minaj praised local interfaith initiatives and said she hoped her appearance would encourage “deepened solidarity” to protect all people of faith.
She closed her speech by addressing her Nigerian fans, known as the “Barbz”, saying she hopes to perform in the country soon, “Nigeria is a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions, and lots of beautiful Barbz that I can’t wait to see.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has expressed shock at Trump’s comments instructing the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in the country.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
