Popular American rapper and songwriter, Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, widely known as Nicki Minaj, has humorously declared that Nigeria will not “end” her.
The 41-year-old music icon made this playful remark during an online interaction on X.com (formerly Twitter).
It all started when a Nigerian fan, @Eniturn, reacted to a line from Nicki’s response to a LIL Wayne critic where she said, “God will punish you” .
The fan commenting said, “I read the first line in the voice of an Igbo girl that was heartbroken by a Yoruba man.”
In response, Nicki Minaj wrote, “LMFAOOOO. Nigeria will not end me o! Sabi girl no dey too like talk 😛🤣. My words take the express elevator to the most high chi. I will show them pepper 🌶️.”
The exchange sparked a wave of reactions from her Nigerian fans, who were thrilled by her use of local expressions and humor.
In an earlier recent online altercation, Nicki Minaj defended fellow rapper Lil Wayne after a user, Tori Wan Kenabo, criticized Wayne’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.
The user claimed that Lil Wayne did not represent the art of rap to its fullest extent.
Minaj fiercely defended Wayne, writing, “God will punish you. Mark my words. The man that has not only pushed his pen the hardest but gave the game more than 1 hip hop ICON as well on his watch? Represent the RAP game?!?!! The best RAPPER don’t represent the RAP GAME well enough for you? Black ppl. Wow. If this don’t hurt your heart to read, it will one day.”
She continued, “Look at how our legends keep being treated after they’ve given so much to us. Who are you?!!!! You GOD?!?!!!!! Judgmental swine DELETE!!!!!!! lol you will regret tweeting this. Life is funny that way. Don’t you dare turn your nose up at Lil Wayne, you dick munchin’ bozo.”
Nicki’s responses quickly went viral, prompting further reactions from netizens, especially her Nigerian fans, who had a field day with her reference to Nigerian culture.
One user, @letter_to_Jack, joked, “I’ve always told people around that I know you down to your family house, that your real name is Nike OluwaloNimi ọmọ Ajiun (Nicki Minaj for short) and we grew up together in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, but dem dey always doubt me. Today, I’m justified. Naija to the world.”
Another fan, @Eniturn, added, “We need you in a Nollywood film so bad😂😂 or rather, will you come to Nigeria soon? You will just have to avoid Lagos men, dem go whine you but no panic.”
@Meatrix also commented, “Nicki, may the blessings bestowed on your path be like that of the waters. As you rep Igbos by using the word ‘Chi’… Ngozi ‘Chi Ukwu’ na ndu gi ga adi ka echi maka na echi adigi anwu anwu. May your blessings be like tomorrow because tomorrow never dies.”
Another user, @Maliq, playfully insisted, “Until you come out to tell us the truth that you are from Nigeria. I know your family house in Iwo, and your real name is Olanbiwonninu Oluwanike Aminat. Tell everyone the truth now.”
Adding to the fun, @chikazondu wondered, “Who is actually teaching Nicki these lines ffs🙄🙄She says her words take the express elevator to the most high Chi🤣🤣”
Nicki Minaj’s humorous engagement with her Nigerian fans has only deepened her connection with them, leaving many eagerly anticipating her potential visit to the country.
(Wuzupnigeria, Punch)