What's happened
Ed Sheeran has expressed disapproval of the upcoming Band Aid 40 charity single, stating he would have declined participation. He aligns with criticisms that the initiative perpetuates damaging stereotypes about Africa, as articulated by British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG. The new version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' is set for release on November 25, 2024.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Ed Sheeran stated, "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." This sentiment aligns with Fuse ODG's critique that Band Aid perpetuates damaging stereotypes, as he noted, "While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth." Conversely, Bob Geldof defended the initiative, arguing that it has saved lives, stating, "This little pop song has kept hundreds of thousands if not millions of people alive." This contrast illustrates the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and implications of charity efforts like Band Aid.
How we got here
The Band Aid charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' was first released in 1984 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Over the years, it has faced criticism for its portrayal of Africa, which many argue is dehumanizing and perpetuates negative stereotypes. A new remix is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
More on these topics
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Band Aid may refer to:
Band-Aid, a brand of adhesive bandage
Band Aid (band), a charity supergroup from 1984
Band Aid (Italian band), active in Italy in early 1980s
"Band Aid", a 2009 song on Pixie Lott's album Turn It Up
Band Aid (film), a 2017 American
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Nana Richard Abiona, better known by his stage name Fuse ODG, is a Ghanaian-English singer, songwriter and rapper. He is best known for his singles "Antenna" and "Dangerous Love", and for featuring on Major Lazer's "Light It Up".
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Edward Christopher Sheeran MBE is an English singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. In early 2011, Sheeran independently released the extended play, No. 5 Collaborations Project.
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Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to
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Robert Frederick Zenon Geldof KBE, is an Irish singer-songwriter, actor and political activist. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Irish rock band the Boomtown Rats in the late 1970s, who achieved popularity at the time of the punk rock movem
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe