Ed Sheeran has claimed he wasn’t asked permission from Band Aid 40 organisers to use his vocals on the a new version of the charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas?
The musician, 33, originally featured on the 2014 version of the track – spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure – alongside the likes of Sting and Harry Styles which aimed to raise money for the Ebola relief efforts.
However amid the upcoming release of the 2024 Ultimate Mix of the song to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Ed has told how he would have denied permission to add his voice to the song had he’d been asked.
Taking to his Instagram stories on Sunday, the Shape Of You hitmaker re-shared a message from Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who has been vocal in his criticism of the charity single claiming it ‘dehumanises Africans and destroys our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’.’
Ed wrote: ‘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.’
Ed’s words are in support of rapper Fuse ODG’s strong stance on the charity song – fronted by Bob Geldof – which comes a decade after he ‘refused’ to be part of the Band Aid 30 song.
Fuse ODG, who worked with Ed on the track Boa Me, posted a statement claiming the famous song ‘perpetuates damaging stereotypes’.
The artist, who is releasing his own track We Know It’s Christmas, penned: ‘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 artist went on to say that he’s making it his mission to ‘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.’
He continued: ‘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.’
MailOnline have contacted Band Aid representatives for comment.
Earlier this year, Bob Geldof hit back at the ‘White Saviour complex’ narrative, branding the criticism ‘the greatest load of b****cks ever.’
He told Times Radio in February: ‘If there was a famine in Italy and someone reacts and they’re white, are they a white saviour? Are the only people allowed to react to an African famine Black?’
He went on: ‘This is a nonsensical, absolutely dismissive argument. It is. I think it’s rubbish.’
It was reported last month that Band Aid is set to return with a brand new version to mark the iconic charity track’s 40th Anniversary.
To celebrate 40 years of the song that changed the world, the Do They Know It’s Christmas? 2024 Ultimate Mix is set to be released on 25th November, alongside a special video.
Do They Know It’s Christmas? has been recorded on three separate occasions, Band Aid (1984), Band Aid 20 (2004) and Band Aid 30 (2014), offering snapshots at some of music’s biggest stars, and how they’ve changed throughout the decades.
It has become one of the most iconic tracks in pop history, after being originally created by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in a bid to raise funds for anti-famine efforts in Ethiopia.
To mark the occasion, producer Trevor Horn has taken the three recordings and, through extraordinary music production techniques, blended all the voices of those separate generations into one seamless track.
