Ed Sheeran claims he wasn’t asked for permission for his vocals to be used on the new 2024 Ultimate Mix of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?
In celebration of the original Band Aid’s 40th anniversary, a new version of the song amalgamates all of the voices from the three best-known versions of the track, recorded in 1984, 2004 and 2014. Sheeran performed on the 2014 version, which was recorded to raise money for ebola relief in West Africa.
Sheeran reposted a comment on his Instagram story by Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who accused the campaign of “[dehumanising] Africans and [destroying] our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’”.
“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,” Sheeran wrote.
“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.”
In recent years, Do They Know It’s Christmas? has become steadily more contentious over its portrayal of Africa. It’s known that the line “And there won ’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time,” is geographically inaccurate and it has also been accused of promoting a ‘white saviour’ mentality as well as negative stereotypes about Africa. Notably, only two black musicians appeared on the original version of the song – Kool and The Gang and ex-Shalamar vocalist Jody Watley.
Band Aid founder Bob Geldof has refuted claims of having a “white saviour complex”, telling Times Radio in February the criticism was “the greatest load of bollocks ever”.
“If there was a famine in Italy and someone reacts and they’re white, are they a white saviour?” he asked. “Are the only people allowed to react to an African famine Black? This is a nonsensical, absolutely dismissive argument. It is. I think it’s rubbish.”
Fuse ODG is gearing up to release his own Christmas song, We Know It’s Christmas, having declined an invitation to participate in Band Aid 30 in 2014.
“Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa,” read his original post.
“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.”
Fuse said he aims to “reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism”.
“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.”
