Rights groups lobby Nicki Minaj to cancel concert in Angola

The Human Rights Foundation’s concern over Minaj playing for Unitel and, by extension, dos Santos, has prompted them to write a letter to the Grammy-nominated singer urging her to cancel the appearance.

Minaj’s performance is part of the Unitel Christmas Festival concert and financed by cellphone company Unitel, which is “controlled” by the daughter of dos Santos, according to the letter. But human rights groups have labeled dos Santos a dictator for his abuses within the African country.

Dos Santos, 73, has been accused of overseeing corruption, misrule and intimidation in a country that suffers endemic poverty despite being Africa’s second-largest oil producer.

“Nicki Minaj is a global artist”, the foundation’s president, Thor Halvorssen, said in a statement. A few excerpts were released including one where Halvorseen tells the story of Angola rapper Luaty Beirao, who was arrested in June after attending a meeting on democracy and non-violence.

“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”, Halvorssen wrote in the letter, dated Tuesday.

“What kind of inspirational message is she sending to millions of young Angolans by performing for the dictatorship that has literally stolen their freedom and their future?”

The Human Rights Foundation is hoping that Minaj, too, may change her mind. In the past he’s confronted other celebrities who have supported dictators, including the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Steinem and Hilary Swank.

A representative for Minaj did not immediately respond to a request for comment.