By Jemimah Chungu
In a dazzling spectacle of music, fashion, and hip-hop culture, the Queen of Rap herself, Onika Tanya Maraj, stole the spotlight at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The Trinidad-American powerhouse, hailing from African descent, not only hosted the event but also delivered jaw-dropping performances that left the audience at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, awestruck on September 12, 2023.
Nicki Minaj, a force to be reckoned with, showcased an array of emotions throughout the night – from joy and goofiness to dramatic flair and sheer, artful fashion. The VMAs kicked off with Minaj cheekily warning the audience about her alter egos’ potential antics. She exclaimed, “MTV is petrified cause they got a couple calls yesterday… And I said it’s OK MTV, I can control myself… But you know who can’t control themselves? Roman, Red Ruby Da Sleeze, Chun-Li! So I’ll think about it.”
What truly set Nicki apart were her transformations. She seamlessly transitioned into her four distinct alter egos – Barbie, Roman, Chun-Li, and Red Ruby Da Sleeze – each accompanied by signature makeup and stunning hairstyles that perfectly matched her musical eras.
As a global A-list celebrity and rapper, Nicki Minaj thrilled her fans by debuting a new song from her highly anticipated 5th album, “Pink Friday 2” (NM5). Her unforgettable performances of hits like ‘Last Time I Saw You,’ ‘Red Ruby Da Sleeze,’ ‘Itty-Bitty Piggy,’ and ‘Truffle Butter’ sent shockwaves through the internet, leaving fans and critics in awe.
In a touching tribute to the 50 years of Hip Hop, Minaj paid homage to legendary artists such as LL Cool J, Lil Wayne, and Slick Rick, showcasing her deep respect for black and hip-hop culture.
Thanks to Nicki Minaj, her devoted fan base known as ‘the Barbs,’ and a star-studded lineup of performers including Shakira and Taylor Swift, this year’s MTV VMAs soared to new heights in terms of ratings. The show recorded the highest ratings in three years, with over 860,000 viewers tuning in, marking a staggering 37% increase from the previous year. Social media was ablaze with excitement and chatter about the show, with fans and viewers engaging in discussions and sharing their favorite moments.
Nicki Minaj’s stellar night didn’t end there. She clinched the coveted Best Hip Hop award for her hit song ‘Super Freaky Girl,’ making it her second consecutive win in this category. And as the curtains closed on this unforgettable evening, Nicki Minaj left her mark on the MTV VMAs, solidifying her status as an entertainment icon, a lyrical genius, and an artist who knows how to keep the world talking.
