Nicki Minaj argued that critics’ perspectives would shift if they accessed artists from a place of understanding, not judgment.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter, Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, has appealed to Nigerian music fans to show understanding and cut their artists some slack.
She made the call on Thursday in a post shared on her official X page, urging fans to be more supportive and patient with them.
Her intervention came after some Nigerian artists came under intense criticism from music lovers this week.
Grammy-winning artist, Burna Boy, for instance, was accused of being arrogant and ungrateful after he “jokingly” stated that he wants “only rich fans.”
Similarly, Yemi Alade came under fire after opposing calls for the intervention of the American military in the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
ALSO READ: Actress, Bukola Arugba accuses Kwara First Lady of downplaying deadly attack on CAC church
Other celebrities were at different times slammed for being “insensitive” to the current state of the nation following the deadly terrorist attack on a church in Kwara and the kidnap of school girls in Kebbi state, after they shared posts unrelated to the incidents on social media.
Reacting to the criticisms, Nicki Minaj, who recently addressed the United Nations (UN) in New York, United States, on insecurity in Nigeria, pleaded with fans to utilize wisdom and compassion in their criticisms.
She argued that critics would see things differently if they approached artists from a place of comprehension rather than judgment.
Speaking on her verified social media handle, Nicki Minaj wrote, “My darlings, let’s utilize wisdom & compassion as it relates to our Nigerian artists. There are very logical reasons for most things when we look not to judge, but to comprehend.
“That goes for every country & their artists. Let’s lift them up & continue to use wisdom.”
