The Band Aid drama rages on as Sir Bob Geldof has reportedly called Ed Sheeran after backlash over ‘damaging stereotypes’ in Christmas hit.
The Boomtown Rats icon has defended the charity single, which he originally wrote in 1984 to raise money during the famine in Ethiopia.
This year Band Aid has released a 40th anniversary re-recording of Do They Know It’s Christmas? which includes re-used vocals from artists like Sting, Bono, and the Shape of You hitmaker.
However, shortly after the single dropped, Fuse ODG criticised it for perpetuating stereotypes about Africa and making him want to ‘disassociate’ from his roots.
This received wider attention when Ed shared the clip on his social media along with his statement that he had not been contacted about the 40 Remix.
With Sir Bob calling up Ed and the Band Aid song tanking in the charts, here’s everything we know about the controversy.
What is Band Aid?
Band Aid is a supergroup collective of artists, originally assembled in 1984 by Sir Bob and Midge Ure.
Phil Collins, Paul Weller, Spandau Ballet, and Boy George joined for the first version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? raising £8 million for Ethiopia.
The song went straight to number one upon its release on December 7, becoming the fastest-selling single of all time until Elton John’s Candle in the Wind.
A year later, the concert Live Aid was hosted with the aim of raising more money for the famine, followed by Band Aid II in 1989.
Band Aid 20’s version was released in 2004 to honour the 20th anniversary, which included the likes of Natasha Bedingfield, The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins, Busted, and Chris Martin.
Do They Know It’s Christmas once again reached number one, staying there for four weeks and becoming the biggest selling record of the year.
Then 10 years later came Band Aid 30, with Chris Martin returning for a second time and Bono for a third time to sing on the track.
This year also featured Clean Bandit, Paloma Faith, One Direction, Sinéad O’Connor, Rita Ora, Sam Smith, and — of course — Ed Sheeran.
Each re-release anniversary song donates all profits to a chosen cause, such as fighting Ebola in 2014.
Band Aid 40 has been released using a mix of vocal performances from the past versions, rather than recruiting fresh artists.
What has Ed Sheeran said about Band Aid?
After the release of Band Aid 40, Ed said his ‘approval had not been sought’ to reuse his vocals in this new version.
‘Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,’ he wrote on Instagram stories.
The Lego House hitmaker shared a video from Fuse ODG, in which the Ghanaian-British musician slammed the music for ‘dehumanising’ people from Africa.
‘A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by Fuse ODG,’ Ed continued.
‘This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all.’
What did Fuse ODG say about Band Aid?
Before Ed’s post, Fuse ODG wrote a lengthy statement on his Instagram stories and called out the Christmas hit.
‘Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa,’ the Dangerous Love hitmaker said.
‘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.’
He added in the wake of Band Aid 40 he was sharing his thoughts 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.’
Fuse ODG 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.’
In a discussion with the BBC, the Afro-beats star shared he wanted to ‘disassociate’ himself from his heritage after seeing the ’disrespectful’ images used in the music video.
What has Sir Bob Geldof said about the controversy?
Sir Bob has said he phoned Ed to try and iron out the situation, although he has not mentioned whether or not he contacted Fuse ODG too.
While on Lorraine, he shared: ‘I’ve put in the call – he’s a really lovely man, he’s an intelligent guy, he’s a major artist and we’ll have a chat and either agree or disagree but we talk about it.
‘The debate must be made and it means we can argue our point of view even more strongly – so that’s where I’m at with this.’
This mirrors what he shared on The One Show, where the I Don’t Like Mondays singer explained the Christmas classic’s financial influence, having raised money to donate to charities around the globe to ‘massively change the structures of the world’.
‘That’s what it is to me,’ said the 73-year-old singer. ‘Other people have a different opinion of it because over 40 years, time, opinions, sensibilities change.
‘That’s why it’s powerful because it did all the things I said but it still when it comes out it raises the debate and the debate is fantastic, and the debate only happens because of this small pop song.
‘Without it, that debate doesn’t come anywhere so now it’s out in the public it’s being talked about and that gives us immense political access. Everything about this song is amazing and I love and thrive by people saying …’
Responding to the comments in a chat with The Times, Sir Bob added: ‘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? 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.’
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