Famous rapper Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, has confirmed that she indeed has an Igbo name.
The Trinidadian-born music star revealed that her first name, Onika, is a Trinidadian variation of the Igbo name Onyekachi, which means “Who is greater than God?”
Minaj made the confirmation while reacting to a fan’s post praising her appearance at the United Nations, where she recently spoke against jihadist violence targeting Christians in Nigeria.
The fan suggested that Minaj’s name reflected a divine destiny, writing that her name signifies “continued belief in a supreme being who holds ultimate authority and surpasses all others in greatness.” The post included an image explaining the meaning and variations of the name Onika and asked Nigerian fans to affirm its Igbo roots.
“Let my Nigerian Barbz and friends confirm how God destines someone for great things before they are even born!”
the fan wrote.
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Nicki Minaj confirmed the interpretation and added another interesting detail about herself:
“Will it get even more mysterious if I told you the tattoo on my arm means ‘God is with me’ in Chinese?”
Her revelation has sparked excitement among Nigerian fans, especially the Igbo community, who have celebrated the connection as yet another sign of cultural influence across the diaspora.
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