Nicki Minaj says new album The Pinkprint was 'heavily influenced' by Enya

The rapper admitted that the Irish multi-instrumentalist had been one of the biggest inspirations behind a number of tracks on her forthcoming record

Singer and rapper Nicki Minaj (AP)

She is a woman of many tastes, but fans of Nicki Minaj may be surprised to discover one of the heaviest influences the “Anaconda” star was under during the making of her new album was Enya.

The rapper admitted that the Irish multi-instrumentalist had been one of the biggest inspirations behind a number of tracks on her forthcoming record The Pinkprint.

“One of my biggest [musical influences] is Enya,” she told V magazine.

“There are two records early in the album where the airiness and the whimsicalness remind me of Enya, and I sort of crafted it thinking about her and the way her music makes me feel.”

Of what she hoped to achieve with the album, Minaj said she aims to inspire female empowerment.

“I always feel it's important for me to show females that they can be in charge of their own situation,” she continued.

“I love women who take control, who set standards and who believe in themselves enough to lead the way in terms of their career. I've done that.

“There are a lot of strong rappers who've influenced me a great deal in terms of my skill, my flow and my business-savvy side. But at the end of the day, I still want to inspire women.”

The Pinkprint is set to be released on 15 December.

Minaj will host the MTV European Music Awards in Glasgow tonight.