Ed Sheeran has revealed to his Instagram followers that Band Aid did not ask for his permission to use his vocal contributions from the Band Aid 30 single from 2014, on this year’s forthcoming single.
Sheeran’s contributions to Band Aid 30 saw him sing alongside One Direction, Ellie Goulding, Chris Martin of Coldplay and many more.
It was only a week ago that Sir Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and Trevor Horn announced the newest Band Aid single. The single was to be a reprised rendition of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ to be released later this year, to commemorate the single’s 40th Anniversary, which would feature vocal contributions from artists across all three versions, declaring it an ‘Ultimate Mix’.
Sheeran, who goes by teddysphotos on Instagram, shared his thoughts on the use of his vocals on the upcoming Band Aid 40 single.
He 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. A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward looking one. Love to all x’
Alongside his statement, the ‘Thinking out Loud’ singer linked a post from Ghanian-English rapper Fuse ODG to further justify his thoughts on the upcoming Band Aid 40 single.
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”.
He continued: “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 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”.
In response, Sheeran has joined Fuse ODG to demand the BBC not to release their upcoming documentary that celebrates Band Aid. The latter has released his own single, titled: ‘We Know It’s Christmas’ in response to Band Aid.
Over the years Band Aid has been subject to controversy. It has been criticised for perpetuating colonial ideals by displaying an impoverished Africa in need of global ‘assistance’.
Someone tell BBC to stop the release of their documentary celebrating Band Aid
Bob Geldof is releasing another version of Do They Know It’s Christmas…a project that dehumanises Africans and destroys our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’. This can’t run now in 2024 pic.twitter.com/MKlBkxUu05
— Fuse ODG (@FuseODG) November 17, 2024
Co-writer of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, Bob Geldof has made many attempts over the years to shut down these critiques, most recently he spoke with The Conversation, regarding the controversy surrounding the singles suspected utilisation of colonial tropes.
Geldof stated: “This little pop song has kept hundreds of thousands if not millions of people alive. In fact, just today Band Aid has given hundreds of thousands of pounds to help those running from the mass slaughter in Sudan and enough cash to feed a further 8,000 children in the same affected areas of Ethiopia as 1984”.
Continuing: the individuals helped by the success of the single will “sleep safer, warmer and cared for tonight because of that miraculous little record. We wish that it were over, but it isn’t. “colonial tropes” my arse”.
As Sheeran and more artists are talking about Band Aid’s controversies and the nature of artists’ vocal contributions, Band Aid 40 is still set to be released at the end of the month on November 25.
