International rap superstar Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, famously known as Nicki Minaj, has revealed that her first name has an Igbo origin.
The rapper confirmed that “Onika” is the Trinidadian derivation of the Igbo name Onyekachi. Her disclosure came while responding to a fan who praised her recent appearance at the United Nations, where she spoke out against jihadist violence targeting Christians in Nigeria.
The fan had shared a post explaining the meaning and variations of Minaj’s first name, describing it as “continued belief in a supreme being who holds ultimate authority and surpasses all others in greatness.” The post suggested that her name reflects a divine destiny tied to speaking against injustice.
“Let my Nigerian Barbz and friends confirm how God destines someone for great things before they are even born!” the fan added.
Reacting to the commentary, Nicki Minaj acknowledged the Igbo link in her name and added an intriguing detail about her body art, writing:
“Will it get even more mysterious if I told you the tattoo on my arm means ‘God is with me’ in Chinese?”
With her revelation,Nicki Minaj further deepened her cultural connection with Nigerian fans, many of whom have long embraced her as one of the most influential female rappers of her generation.
