Band Aid may have raised more than £150m in the past four decades to help Africa, but some are saying the charity's song Do They Know It's Christmas? is increasingly outdated and even 'harmful'.
Ed Sheeran wanted nothing to do with the 'ultimate mix' of the song, and claimed he did not give his consent for his vocals to be used on it. The Shape of You hitmaker originally recorded his part for Band Aid 30's release of the festive classic back in 2014. And to mark the 40th anniversary of the original hit - released to raise money and awareness of famine in Africa in 1984 and spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure - the 2024 Ultimate Mix was announced, which sees artists who appeared on the original and the 2014 version sing alongside each other.
Ed, who sings with Sting, explains how the 'narrative' around the song doesn't sit well with him a decade on by re-sharing a post by Ghanaian-English star Fuse ODG. His Instagram Story read: “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals. A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by [Fuse ODG]. This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all.”
Back in 2014, Adele reportedly wanted nothing to do with that year's version of the song and instead opted to give to charity instead, according to The Guardian. Rapper Fuse refused to join the 2014 supergroup - which also included the likes of One Direction, Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding, and original contributor Bono - and accused the song of "costing the continent trillions" by stifling its "economic growth, tourism and investment" with its "dehumanising imagery".
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Fuse's post read: “We Know It’s Christmas. Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa. While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity. By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement. My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and reposition Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism."
He concluded: “Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.”
The 'Ultimate Mix' will be available to stream on November 25 and the BBC is also releasing the documentary 'The Making of Do They Know It’s Christmas' on BBC Four on November 29.
And Fuse called on his followers to demand the broadcaster pull the film from its schedule by tagging @BBC and re-sharing Ed’s post.
* Money raised by Band Aid has gone towards long-term development projects and emergency aid. For example the 2014 version raised money for the Ebola crisis.
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