Why Nicki Minaj performing in Angola is controversial

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Nicki Minaj wearing the Angola flagImage source, Instagram/Nicki Minaj

There's been some controversy over a Nicki Minaj concert in Angola.

A human rights group claims the rapper is a "hypocrite" for performing in the African country when she has been vocal about social injustice elsewhere.

In a letter, external written by the Human Rights Foundation, they accuse her of caring more about a pay cheque than black Angolan lives.

Watch some of Nicki Minaj's performance from her Instagram account., external

The performance was organised by a mobile phone company part-owned by the country's president.

But why the controversy?

President Jose Eduardo dos Santos Angolan of AngolaImage source, AFP
Image caption,

This is the president of Angola

Jose Eduardo dos Santos has been president of Angola since 1979.

Many people thank him for leading the country to recovery after its 27-year civil war in 2002.

But many others say he has stayed in power too long and has failed to distribute the money made from Angola's oil industry fairly.

Children in LuandaImage source, Mary HARPER
Image caption,

Many children live in poverty

Child doing homework in wreck of carImage source, Mary Harper
Image caption,

Facilities can be extremely basic

It's estimated one in three people in Angola lives in poverty and the life expectancy is 52.

Nicki Minaj is reported to have been paid a six-figure sum to perform at the event.

More than 70% of the Angolan population live on less than $1 (67p) a day.

Nicki Minaj posted a picture of herself with Isabel dos Santos, the president's daughter., external

Angola's oil export is worth US $57bn.

Critics say President dos Santos has used the money to further his family's wealth and not to better his country.

It is the second-largest oil producer in Africa.

The government has been accused of killing people who spoke out against the government.

Amnesty International has claimed that there have been "extra-judicial killings and excessive force".

People have been trying to get rid of President dos Santos.

A man accused of rebellion against the Angolan government holds his head in his hands in courtImage source, EPA

Earlier this year people were arrested for meeting to discuss human rights.

They were charged with preparing "acts of rebellion" and could face 12 years in prison.

Angola's attorney general said they were crimes against state security.

Luaty BeiraoImage source, Amnesty International
Image caption,

Luaty Beirao, also known as Ikonoklasta, is a famous rapper in Angola

A rapper recently went on hunger strike for five weeks.

Luaty Beirao was one of those arrested for allegedly plotting to oust the president.

The group he was with is accused of planning an uprising that would have "incalculable consequences".

Read more about Angola's elite hoard the country's new-found wealth.

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