Nicki Minaj goes ahead with Angola show despite controversy

Nicki Minaj 5

Nicki Minaj has upset the Human Rights Foundation charity by going ahead with a concert in Angolo.

The 33-year-old rapper headlined a Christmas festival in the capital of Luanda on Saturday (19.12.15), titled Show Unitel Boas Festas, despite protests over the country’s human rights record.

After her slot, the ‘Anaconda’ star posted a photograph of herself on Instagram with a huge smile and wrapped in Angola’s national flag, with the caption: “Reppin the flag on my back. ANGOLA I LOVE UUUUUUUUUUUUU. THANK UUUUUUUU!!!!!!!! Muuuuaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!! (sic)”

She also uploaded a video showing the packed out stadium, and wrote “ANGOLA HAS MY HEART” along with a photograph posing with a fan, which was captioned: “Success is yours for the taking!!!!! #Angola thank u to the women who brought me out here as well. (sic)”

The news comes after Thor Halvorssen, the head of the Human Rights Foundation, pleaded with the singer to cancel the concert.

In a letter to Nicki, he said: “Ms. Minaj, you are well known for being involved with charities such as the Get Schooled Foundation, which helps motivate young people to graduate from high school and succeed in college. If you move forward with this performance for the dictator and his family, you will be in league with the people stealing educational resources and opportunity from young Angolans.”

Angola’s government has been accused of oppression, intimidation and imprisoning supporters of democracy, and

Halvorssen also highlighted the case of Angolan hip hop artist Luaty Beirao, who was arrested in June after attending a meeting that discussed democracy in the country.

Disappointed fans took to the rapper’s Facebook page, with one writing: “Not cool, Nicki, not cool. I guess you don’t care about human rights, eh?”

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