4 days Ago
Ed Sheeran is unhappy his vocals have been used on a Band Aid 40th anniversary single, suggesting the initiative perpetuates “damaging stereotypes” of Africa. The singer performed on a 2014 version of Do They Know it’s Christmas? , alongside One Direction, Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith. To mark 40 years since Bob Geldof put the original single together, a new “ultimate mix” is being released that blends the different versions.
However, Sheeran said in a post on Instagram: “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..
. This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one.
Love to all x.” Sheeran (33) said the issue had been “eloquently explained” by the British-Ghanaian songwriter and rapper Fuse ODG, a friend of his. Fuse ODG wrote: “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.” The original Band Aid single was released in 1984 and raised around £8m for famine relief in Ethiopia.
In 2014, Geldof (73) addressed criticism, saying: “Where Band Aid is effective is that it creates all this noise. It creates this argument, it creates this debate. People find it very hard to understand that I love the level of criticism.
I personally enjoy it.”.
