New York, November 18, 2025 — Rap superstar Nicki Minaj made headlines today after delivering a passionate speech at a United Nations event, calling international attention to increasing violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking Out on a Global Stage
Invited by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, Minaj spoke at a panel organized at the U.S. Mission to the UN. The event, titled “Combating Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria,” drew faith leaders, experts, and survivors.
Minaj emphasized that her presence was not merely symbolic. “In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed. Churches have been burned. Families have been torn apart … simply because of how they pray,” she said.
A Message of Unity, Not Division
Throughout her remarks, Minaj stressed that her aim was to unite, not divide. She told the audience that protecting religious rights isn’t about politics — “it’s about uniting humanity.”
She also addressed her fans (“the Barbz”), thanking them and telling them she would continue speaking out “for the rest of my life” against persecution.
Gratitude — and a Call for Action
Minaj publicly thanked former President Donald Trump for focusing on the issue, saying his leadership had elevated the conversation to a global level.
She linked her advocacy to her life as an artist: “Music has taken me around the globe … Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live and what we believe.”
Response and Backlash
- Support: Ambassador Waltz praised her for using her platform to highlight the suffering of persecuted Christians, calling her “a witness … to spotlight Nigeria’s persecuted church.”
- Criticism: Some analysts and Nigerians have cautioned that the crisis in Nigeria is deeply complex, involving not just religion but ethnic and socio-economic conflict.
- Government Reaction: Nigeria’s government recently rejected U.S. claims of religious persecution, calling data used to justify the designation “faulty.”
Why It Matters for Africa and the World
- Religious Freedom: Minaj’s speech spotlights a critical human rights issue that resonates far beyond Nigeria, raising questions about how faith-based violence is addressed globally.
- Celebrity Advocacy: Her intervention demonstrates how high-profile figures can influence international policy debates and media attention.
- Diplomatic Pressure: By framing the issue at the UN, Minaj may help galvanize diplomatic and humanitarian action — potentially influencing how foreign governments engage with Nigeria
Final Thought
Nicki Minaj’s UN address is more than a celebrity moment — it’s a reminder that public figures can use their influence for serious causes. Whether it leads to concrete policy changes or stays symbolic remains to be seen. But for now, she’s made her voice heard — and she’s calling on the world to listen.
Nicki Minaj at UNITED NATION (U.N)