Award winning American rapper Nicki Minaj has given reasons why she waded into the alleged Christian genocide reported in Nigeria.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session at AmericaFest on Sunday, Minaj said she has personal ties to the country and felt compelled to speak against alleged attacks against Christians.
“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs,” she said.
“So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion, that should spark outrage.”
“We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world,” she said.
The rapper also spoke more broadly about religious freedom, arguing that many people underestimate the privilege of being able to worship openly.
“We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please,” Minaj said.
“Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them.”
Recall that Minaj spoke at the United Nations in November, seeking protection for marginalized Christians in Nigeria and worldwide.
Her comments came in the wake of President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.
Despite the government’s claims that there is no genocide happening in the country, Minaj addressed leadership issues and how it plays a key role in protecting religious freedom.
“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways,” she said.
