Exploring the Controversy of Nicki Minaj’s 2015 Angola Concert: A Look at Human Rights Activists’ Criticisms

Nicki Minaj stands out as an internationally acclaimed rapper. At 41, she has successfully completed four solo world tours, attracting fans from all over the world, including in Angola.

The rising presence of the “Anaconda”artist was highlighted when she received an invitation to perform in Angola back in 2015. This notable event, however, came amidst global scrutiny aimed at the Angolan government for reportedly infringing on the fundamental human rights of journalists, activists, and others who dared to oppose the regime.

Given the oppressive environment fostered by the Angolan authorities, Minaj faced allegations of being a “hypocrite”for going ahead with the performance, despite her own advocacy for human rights. Reports from the BBC indicated that she was compensated with a substantial six-figure fee for her performance, while alarmingly, over 70% of Angola’s population was surviving on less than $1 a day.

Nicki Minaj’s Performance at Boas Festas in December 2015

In December 2015, Nicki Minaj graced the stage at Boas Festas, a Christmas celebration organized by Unitel, a telecommunications company reportedly owned by the family of then-President José Eduardo dos Santos.

Having assumed the presidency in 1979, Santos is credited with helping Angola rebuild after a lengthy Civil War that ended in 2002; however, he was accused of failing to equitably distribute the wealth generated by Angola’s oil sector to its citizens.

Critics pointed fingers at him, claiming he used oil revenues to augment his family’s fortune rather than investing in the nation, as reported by the BBC in December 2015. Furthermore, Amnesty International made allegations of extra-judicial killings and severe violence used against dissenters of the Santos administration.

With these facts widely known, Nicki Minaj’s choice to perform for an event sponsored by Unitel stirred a backlash, seen as a controversial stance.

Thor Halvorssen’s Plea for Nicki Minaj to Withdraw from the Performance

Thor Halvorssen, the president of the Human Rights Foundation, reached out to Minaj through a letter, urging her to reconsider her performance. He conveyed to The Hollywood Reporter:

“As a global artist, millions are inspired by you in their creative pursuits. There is no valid justification for partnering with an oppressive Angolan regime and endorsing the family of its ruler.”

In his letter, sent to Minaj via Brian Sher of Category 5 Entertainment, Halvorssen further implored:

“As a powerful and independent artist, shouldn’t you advocate for the freedom of imprisoned rapper Luaty Beirao instead of entertaining the dictator and his corrupt family?”

Luaty Beirao, an Angolan rapper recognized for his anti-corruption stance, was arrested in June 2015 for attending a meeting focused on democracy and non-violence.

Halvorssen also highlighted allegations against the billionaire daughter of President dos Santos, implicating her in the illicit “blood diamond”trade in Angola, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.

The activist emphasized that numerous international organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, had documented the alleged human rights abuses committed by the Santos family.

Despite being contacted for a statement, representatives for Nicki Minaj did not respond. Ultimately, the “Side to Side”artist proceeded with her performance in Luanda and shared a photo with the president’s daughter on her Instagram, calling her “the 8th richest woman in the world”in the caption.

Two years following Minaj’s concert, Santos was succeeded by João Lourenço, formerly the Minister of Defence, marking a new chapter in Angola’s leadership.

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