Global rap star Nicki Minaj has explained why she has been outspoken about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying the country holds deep personal significance for her and that she refuses to stay silent in the face of what she described as “outrageous” violence.

Speaking during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Minaj addressed questions surrounding her recent advocacy. She revealed that her concern is rooted in personal relationships, including her pastor, who is Nigerian, and her large Nigerian fanbase.

According to the rapper, reports of kidnappings and killings of worshippers in Nigeria are impossible for her to ignore.

“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs. 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,” she said.

Minaj stressed that she will not be intimidated into silence, adding that speaking up is necessary.

“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 declared.

She also spoke more broadly about religious freedom, noting that many people take for granted the ability to worship openly.

“We take for granted that there are people right now in this world who cannot worship God as they please, where they please. When we pray freely, we must remember those who are hiding just to pray, and we have to pray for them,” she said.

Minaj’s comments come amid her recent collaboration with the United States Mission to the United Nations and her support for statements by President Donald Trump, who recently designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues.

She praised the current U.S. leadership for highlighting the issue, while criticising previous administrations for what she described as silence.

“Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways too. So when we talk about Nigeria and other countries, understand that prior administrations saw nothing wrong with it — and that’s what was wrong with them,” she concluded.