Ten years back, Ed Sheeran was part of Band Aid’s cover of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” alongside One Direction and Sam Smith, but he now says no one asked him to use his voice for the 2024 version.
“My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release. Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,” Sheeran shared on an Instagram Story.
Originally led by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Band Aid 30 in 2014 aimed to help fight Ebola, though it faced criticism for being “clumsy, patronizing, and wrong” according to The Guardian. Sheeran has changed his view over time, stating, “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.”
Fans sometimes change their minds as they learn more about things.
Sheeran also mentioned Fuse ODG’s comments about how Band Aid hurts Africa by spreading bad stereotypes. Fuse ODG, who didn’t join the 2014 song, explained that while these efforts might raise funds, they harm Africa’s image and growth, costing it a lot in terms of pride and identity.
He emphasized that such projects showcase negative imagery, which discourages real partnerships. His aim is to change how Africa is seen, empowering its people to share their own stories and attract investments and tourists. Currently, the African diaspora contributes significantly to the continent, rather than relying on Band Aid or foreign aid.
Despite the backlash, Geldof stands by the charity song. “This little pop song has kept hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people alive,” he remarked in a recent report. He noted how Band Aid recently provided substantial aid to those affected by the crisis in Sudan and Ethiopia.
Addressing critiques of the lyrics, Geldof argued, “These are not ‘colonial tropes’ they are empirical facts … The same argument has been made many times over the years and elicits the same wearisome response. Are you certain it isn’t some ChatGPT scam thing?”
The latest version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” combines voices from all past Band Aid editions, including Sheeran, Smith, and One Direction’s Harry Styles. This “Ultimate Mix” also features Bono, Sting, Boy George, and more, with artists like Paul McCartney and Phil Collins playing instruments.
Many of these performers are featured in the Band Aid 40 music video trailer for “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Slated for release on November 25, it will come with a full video by Oliver Murray, who recently worked on a Beatles documentary.
