Sir Bob Geldof has hit back at Ed Sheeran after he slammed the new Band Aid release.
The chart topping star has claimed that Band Aid didn’t ask for permission to feature him on the new 2024 Ultimate Mix and re-used his vocals from 2014. Ed told his fans he would have declined to feature on the track if asked.
Ed cited a post from rapper Fuse ODG - who refused to take part in the 2014 version - to highlight that in his opinion the song perpetuates the idea that Africa is a victim of “famine and poverty”, which is “not the truth”.
Sir Bob has now responded to the claims as he threw his weight behind the initiative and claimed Band Aid is still very much a valid cause in 2024. When asked about Ed's comment, he said: “This little pop song has kept millions of people alive. Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal?”
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PA)Talking to The Sunday Times he then listed all the work the charity does before adding: “Why not keep doing that? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy?
"No abstract theory regardless of how sincerely held should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real- world reality. There are 600 million hungry people in the world — 300 million are in Africa. We wish it were other but it is not. We can help some of them. That’s what we will continue to do.”
To mark the 40th anniversary of the original hit - which was released to raise money and awareness of famine in Africa in 1984 and spearheaded by Bob 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 claimed on his Instagram Story: “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.”
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PA)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.
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