Nicki Minaj announces U.K. arena tour for October 2012

Nicki Moves To Arenas After Gig Success

U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj has announced a U.K. arena tour to take place in October 2012, after playing her first ever London gigs this weekend.

Nicki Minaj

It seems that Nicki Minaj's debut London gig last night has left her begging for more, as she has announced that she will return for a series of arena concerts in the autumn. The 29-year-old rapper will play eight shows in impressive venues including London's O2 and Birmingham's LG Arena. Tickets for the gigs will go on sale this Friday, June 29.

Nicki played her first ever U.K. gigs this weekend, first performing at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend festival on Saturday, followed by her debut London headline gig at the Hammersmith Apollo last night. She will play a second night at the Apollo this evening. As the gigs sold out within hours when they were put on sale earlier this year, it was clear that there was demand for a full arena tour from the "Super Bass" star.

Reviews for last night's Apollo gig have been mixed, with some critics such as Entertainmentwise saying her vocals were poor and her stage presence no match for other female pop stars such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna. However, others such as The Evening Standard complimented her impressive rap abilities, and her army of Barbs were definitely impressed.

Image courtesy of WENN.com.