Nicki Minaj has explained why she publicly addressed the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing personal ties to the country and disturbing reports of violence against worshippers. "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 during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest ¹ ² ³.

Minaj expressed outrage over reports of kidnappings and killings of Christians during church activities, emphasizing that such violence should spark global concern. "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 stated ¹ ².

She vowed not to be silenced, declaring, "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" ¹ ³ ².

Minaj also highlighted the importance of religious freedom, noting that many people take the right to worship for granted. "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," she added ¹ ².