Nicki Minaj urged to cancel Angola appearance amid human rights concerns

NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Human rights groups are trying to convince rapper Nicki Minaj to skip a lucrative performance in the African nation of Angola citing human rights concerns.

The rapper's performance is scheduled to take place at an Angolan Christmas Festival Saturday, and despite a letter by the Human Rights Foundation condemning Angola's violations, the show looks as if it will go on.

In the letter, published Tuesday on the Human Rights Foundation website, president Thor Halvorssen asserts due to Minaj's global fame and creative influence, "There is no good reason for her to do business with the corrupt Angolan dictatorship and endorse the ruler's [Jose Eduardo dos Santos] family company."

The Christmas event is funded in part by Unitel, a communications company owned by dos Santos' daughter Isabel. The dictator has reigned over the country since 1979 without being formally elected and has been accused of using profits from the country's rich oil reserves for his own gain and not that of the majority. He is also credited for jailing or killing the likes of journalists, public figures and activists, HRF says.

Still, Minaj will most likely receive a impressive check if she goes through with the performance. Mariah Carey earned $1 million from her 2013 show in the country. After reportedly receiving heavy pushback from the foundation, she severed ties with her then-manager, Jermaine Dupri, opting for Brian Sher, who is also Minaj's manager.

"Nicki Minaj has been involved with charities such as the Get Schooled Foundation, which helps inspire young people to graduate from high school and succeed in college," Halvorssen wrote. "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?"