Nicki Minaj’s Concert at the Uber Arena: „Berlin Takes the Crown – The Best Audience of All Time“
In a sea of pink, fans of rapper Nicki Minaj flooded the otherwise drab grey Uber Plaza at the East Side Gallery. The occasion? Nicki Minaj’s „Pink Friday 2“ World Tour, where she performed tracks from her latest album of the same name. The title also pays homage to Nicki Minaj’s debut album, „Pink Friday,“ released in 2010. After a challenging journey, including a baby break, pandemic delays, and rescheduling, her new album finally dropped on Nicki Minaj’s 41st birthday on December 8, 2023. Fast forward six months, and she graces Berlin with a nearly pink carpet rolled out. The venue resembles a fashion show, with almost all young women draped in the color of the day, showcasing pink pantsuits, glittery mini dresses, and platform heels. Some even accessorize with pink feather boas or rose-colored wigs, a signature look for Minaj herself.
Most attendees are enjoying a girls‘ night out with their friends on this Friday evening. If a partner tags along, they are promptly dressed in a magenta t-shirt. The standout fashion statement of the night? A man sporting pink Crocs with heels. Is it bad taste or high fashion? Perhaps a bit of both, drawing inspiration from the evening’s star, Nicki Minaj, known for her bold and unconventional outfits that never shy away from vibrant colors or skin. At 8:30 PM, a DJ pumps up the crowd with hip-hop hits from the past decade, getting everyone in a dancing mood. Circles form on the floor, showcasing individuals‘ skills, with one even performing a cartwheel. It’s evident that this audience is ready to party, and when Nicki Minaj finally takes the stage an hour later, the noise level escalates significantly. Welcomed with loud cheers, she dives into several songs from her new album, accompanied by dancers in silver pants executing dynamic and powerful hip-hop choreography. The massive stage setup features towering LED walls bringing the skyscrapers of Nicki Minaj’s hometown of New York to life in violet, blue, and pink neon hues.
Nicki Minaj kicks off the show in a silver bodysuit and high boots, but she changes outfits so frequently, ranging from a pink evening gown to ripped jeans. Fire fountains add to the spectacle, with every detail meticulously coordinated, and Nicki Minaj remains unfazed by the visual effects extravaganza. Just two weeks ago, Nicki Minaj made headlines when she was briefly detained in Amsterdam for marijuana possession, forcing her to cancel her concert in Manchester. The incident gained traction as she livestreamed her arrest on Instagram. Her fans rallied behind #FreeNicki, allowing her to quickly resume her tour.
Criticism? Not from Nicki Minaj! In her song „Feeling Myself“ with Beyoncé, she confidently declares, „Ain’t gotta rely on top 40, I am a rap legend. Just go ask the Kings of Rap, who is the Queen.“ She is fully aware of her legendary status, confirmed by her rap peers more than top 40 hits. However, one essential element of the evening cannot be overlooked: „Anaconda,“ the anthem celebrating her posterior, which she sensually showcases to the audience singing along word for word. Throughout her 15-year career, Nicki Minaj has embraced the moniker „Black Barbie,“ donning the brightest pink and singing about „Barbie Dreams,“ emphasizing that „Barbie Dangerous“ and capable of biting back. Appropriately, her fans are known as Barbz. Last summer, the Barbie fever peaked with the release of the „Barbie“ movie, featuring a soundtrack where Nicki Minaj naturally had a presence. Collaborating with newcomer rapper Ice Spice, they produced the song „Barbie World,“ sampling Aqua’s iconic 90s hit, which went viral on TikTok 25 years after the original.
Is there more to the vibrant pink Barbie feminism? Throughout Nicki Minaj’s 15-year career, she has shattered stereotypes, demonstrating that femininity and rap can coexist harmoniously. Before her, few female rappers achieved commercial success, such as Missy Elliott and Lil Kim. Nicki Minaj proved that not only can women rap well, but sometimes even better than their male counterparts. Whether with hard-hitting lyrics and a sexy, sultry presence or candy-colored, pop-radio hits like „Super Bass,“ she creates her own universe, defiantly showing a pink-painted middle finger to the male-dominated rap domain. In doing so, she fosters a more inclusive rap world where women and queer individuals feel at home, as evidenced by the audience’s diversity at the event.
During the song „The Night is Still Young,“ Nicki Minaj passes her microphone to a fan. However, when the fan sings off-key, she playfully retrieves the mic. Although a missed opportunity, it does not dampen the mood. As the show concludes with the dance hit „Starships“ from 2012, the entire arena pulsates with energy, everyone ecstatically jumping around as a golden glitter shower descends on the stage. At nearly two hours long, at 11:30 PM, she thanks „every person who came“ and acknowledges the fantastic atmosphere, proclaiming, „Don’t come for me on Twitter, but Berlin, you take the crown! You were the best audience ever!“ When Nicki Minaj speaks, it must be true.