Ntsiki Mazwai Claims Nicki Minaj Copied Her Album Cover, Fans Disagree
Ntsiki Mazwai, the outspoken South African musician and poet known for her fiery online presence, is back at it again on X (formerly Twitter). This time, she’s calling out global superstar Nicki Minaj, claiming the rapper copied the visual concept of her 2018 album, The Masterpiece.
Mazwai shared a side-by-side comparison of her cover and Minaj’s Queen, which debuted a few months later. In her version, Mazwai is seated on the ground, legs stretched out, set against dramatic flames, adorned in layered beadwork. Minaj, meanwhile, is perched on a massive tree branch, one leg extended, set against an orange backdrop and wearing a heavily accessorized outfit.
According to Mazwai, the similarities are too striking to be coincidental. She alleges that her release dates were altered by the industry to make it appear as though The Masterpiece came after Minaj’s album, thereby hiding the alleged copying. “I will never forget how she copied my album cover, and then the system changed my release dates to try to hide it and make it seem like I was inspired by her. Kanti, luckily, I had a launch that is on YouTube with the correct date,” she wrote.
Mazwai’s comments also highlight a broader concern: the visibility of African artists in international markets. “Ufuna ukuthi (do you want to say) this was a coincidence? You really think Americans don’t check for South African creatives?” she fired back at skeptics online.
I will never forget how she copied my album cover and then the system changed my release dates to try hide it and make it seem like I was inspired by her. Kanti luckily I had a launch that is on YouTube with the correct date https://t.co/AcvdsFRLFK pic.twitter.com/tKAUwp1VJr
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) November 22, 2025
Social Media Divided
As expected with Ntsiki Mazwai, the reaction was immediate and divided. While some fans supported her stance, the majority of responses leaned towards sarcasm or outright disagreement.
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@AwandeMokoena quipped: “Sometimes we just need to read her tweets and move on with life 🤧.”
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@HimTV added: “Trust me, babe, you’re not the person she would copy, no shade.”
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@Vitorious questioned the claim: “The way these two covers are so different? Are we taking credit for poses now? They’re not even that similar.”
Despite pushback, Mazwai remained unflinching, continuing the conversation with her followers and refusing to back down.
Timeline and Facts
An X community note clarified some key points in the debate: Nicki Minaj’s Queen was officially released on August 10, 2018, while The Masterpiece came out on November 5, 2018. There is no verified evidence that Mazwai’s release dates were tampered with, nor that Minaj’s team copied her artwork.
Still, the episode highlights the ongoing tension many African creatives feel about recognition and visibility in the global music landscape. In an industry where visuals are as vital as the music itself, even the hint of inspiration—or imitation—can spark international debate.
A Broader Conversation
Whether or not Nicki Minaj intentionally borrowed from Mazwai, this debate opens the door to an important conversation: How often are African artists overlooked or appropriated by bigger markets? Mazwai’s bold claims, while controversial, have reignited discussions about credit, representation, and the global influence of South African creatives.
As always with Ntsiki Mazwai, one thing is certain, she won’t shy away from speaking her truth, no matter the backlash.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@ntsikimazwai}
