AFPEd Sheeran
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 12:43
British singer Ed Sheeran says charity group Band Aid did not ask permission to use his voice in new version of Christmas hit Do they know it’s Christmas? Had that happened, he would have refused: his view of the song would have changed in the past ten years.
The pop song was criticized after its release in 1984 for having a “Western view of Africa” and a “derogatory tone” towards the continent. The song was re-released in 1989, 2004 and 2014. Due to continued disapproval of the song, some of the lyrics were rewritten in 2014.
Sheeran contributed to that third version, as did pop greats Coldplay, Sinead O’Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction and Rita Ora. Monday comes Do they know it’s Christmas- 2024 Ultimate Mix in which parts of the previous versions have been included. Sheeran’s voice was also recycled, without explicit permission.
Harmful to Africa
One sentence that continued to be criticized was “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you.” This was adjusted in the 2014 version to: “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you”.
Despite the rewritten text, the criticism did not subside. British-Ghanaian singer Fuse ODG refused to participate in the third version in 2014. “I see how damaging an initiative like this song is for Africa.”
Although ODG acknowledges that the song “generates sympathy and rakes in donations”, he cannot look away from the “harmful stereotypes that hinder Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment”. These stereotypes would cost the continent trillions of euros and damage Africa’s honor, pride and identity.
Different take on the song
Sheeran wrote on Instagram that if Band Aid had asked him for an endorsement this year, he would have “politely declined.” If I had had the choice, I would not have given permission for the use of my voice.” The reason for this is that he now has a different view on the song and development aid.
“Over the past decade, my view of the song has changed after an explanation from Fuse ODG,” the singer writes. “This is my personal opinion. I hope we can grow.”
‘Millions of people saved’
Bob Geldof, who wrote the song together with Midge Ure, responded to criticism this weekend after the announcement of a new version. “This pop song has saved hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people.”
Band Aid is said to have donated money this weekend to help refugees in Sudan and to feed more than 8,000 children in the same affected areas in Ethiopia as in 1984. “I wish it were different, but unfortunately. Colonial ideas my ass,” Geldof said.
Ed Sheeran and the Band Aid Debacle: A Christmas Controversy
Well, well, well! Just when we thought Christmas could be all about joy, cheer, and dodging relatives who still believe in ‘pulling crackers,’ enter Ed Sheeran with a festive bit of drama. It seems that the global pop sensation has taken issue with his voice being replayed in the latest version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? — a song that’s still simultaneously inspiring and eye-roll-inducing even forty years later. Talk about holiday spirit!
The Voice That Had No Choice
In a twist that seems more tuned into 2023’s vibe than the 1984 original, Ed’s unhappy revelation that he wasn’t consulted before his voice was recycled for the new 2024 Ultimate Mix has the Internet practically buzzing like an undercooked fruitcake. Can you believe it? Using Ed Sheeran’s voice without his say-so? The audacity! Next, they’ll be recycling Aaron Carter’s old mixtapes without permission. Can we at least get a little permission slip here?
Now, let’s rewind for a moment. The original song was criticized for having a “Western view of Africa” — I mean, talk about a global faux pas. Lyrics like “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you” are about as subtle as a sledgehammer wrapped in tinsel. They’ve tried rephrasing it to “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you,” but it seems shifting words around like a game of Scrabble doesn’t change the underlying sentiment. Some people just play a mean game of charades when it comes to awareness, don’t they?
A Broader Perspective
Fuse ODG — the British-Ghanaian singer, who wisely stayed away from the third version back in 2014 — was spot on when he pointed out how damaging songs like these can be for Africa. Trillions of euros lost to harmful stereotypes? Now that’s a number that would make Santa weep. His feedback on the song reminded us that while the money raised can make a difference, the lingering stereotypes can stick around like an unwanted guest that just won’t leave the party.
Sheeran’s Change of Heart
Ed took to Instagram to declare that if Band Aid had asked him this time around, he would have “politely declined.” Can we just take a moment to appreciate the growth here? Over the past decade, he’s had a change of heart after hearing Fuse ODG’s criticisms. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of enlightenment — like a light bulb coming on just as you glance at your Christmas lights, which are all tangled.
What a thoughtful revelation! It feels like we’ve gone from a big pop star cashing in on a classic to a man ready to engage with deeper issues. Cheers to that! Although, I wonder if he’ll show up at the Band Aid Christmas party wearing a “Sorry, not sorry” T-shirt — it could be the new festive trend!
Bob Geldof: Defender of the Holiday Faith?
In case you thought things couldn’t get any more interesting, enter Bob Geldof, co-writer of the original song. He seems to believe that the pop classic has “saved hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people.” It seems a tad hard to believe when you look at the underlying messages, but hey, we appreciate the intention. Just remember, Bob — good intentions are a bit like Christmas pudding. It looks nice, but there’s a good chance it’ll give you indigestion.
Despite the duelling perspectives, Geldof insists that colonial perceptions should take a back seat to the urgent needs of those in distress. Well, bless your heart, Bob! But maybe it’s time to update the narrative a bit? Christmas spirit shouldn’t involve a 30-year-old playlist that once again gets a shiny makeover.
Final Thoughts
So, here we are — with Ed Sheeran holding the moral high ground as he skips around the Yuletide nonsense, saying, “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll pass” to a revamped classic that needs more than just a little lyric polish. Can Band Aid make it through the holiday scandal successfully? Will the 2024 Ultimate Mix be fresh enough to actually fit into the festive cheer we all crave? Or will it just be another stocking full of coal? Only time – and perhaps a few sensible conversations – will tell!
As we warm ourselves by the metaphorical fire, let’s remember that Christmas can mean more than just catchy tunes and charitable antics. It’s a time for reflection, understanding, and perhaps a few more sensible carols that truly celebrate the spirit of giving — sans the stereotypes!
British singer Ed Sheeran has expressed his discontent regarding the charity group Band Aid, revealing that they did not obtain his permission to feature his voice in their latest rendition of the iconic Christmas anthem Do They Know It’s Christmas? Sheeran emphasized that had he been consulted, he would have outright declined, noting that his perspective on the song has significantly evolved during the past decade.
Originally released in 1984, the pop classic faced immediate backlash for portraying a “Western view of Africa” and exhibiting a “derogatory tone” towards the continent. Since then, it has been reissued in 1989, 2004, and 2014, with the 2014 version featuring lyrics that were rewritten in response to ongoing criticism.
Sheeran was a contributor to the 2014 iteration, joining a roster of pop luminaries including Coldplay, Sinead O’Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction, and Rita Ora. However, the upcoming release scheduled for Monday, titled Do They Know It’s Christmas 2024 Ultimate Mix, controversially includes parts of the previous versions alongside Sheeran’s voice, which was utilized without explicit consent.
One particular lyric has drawn consistent criticism: “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you.” This line was altered in the 2014 version to “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you,” yet the changes did little to quell the ongoing backlash.
British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG openly rejected participation in the 2014 version, citing the damaging implications of such initiatives for Africa. He candidly acknowledged that while the song is capable of generating sympathy and raising funds, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes that can obstruct the continent’s growth, tourism, and investment opportunities.
Sheeran took to Instagram to clarify his stance, stating that had Band Aid sought his endorsement this year, he would have “politely declined.” He expressed regret over the situation, stating flatly, “If I had had the choice, I would not have given permission for the use of my voice.” This evolution in his view stems from insights gained over the years, particularly from discussions with Fuse ODG, shaping his growing understanding of the song’s impact on Africa.
Bob Geldof, the co-writer of the original song, addressed the criticisms surrounding the new version, asserting that the song has made a tangible difference in saving lives. He claimed that the efforts of Band Aid have benefited hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of individuals.
Over the weekend, Band Aid reportedly allocated funds to support refugees in Sudan and provide nourishment to more than 8,000 children in Ethiopia, the same regions that the charity focused on in 1984. Geldof remarked, “I wish it were different, but unfortunately. Colonial ideas my ass.”
What are the implications of using music for humanitarian causes in relation to stereotypes and representation?
Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you,” which was revised in the 2014 version to “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you.” Despite the changes, the song has continued to face criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Africa. British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG expressed his concerns about the harm these stereotypes cause, asserting that while the song may generate sympathy and donations, it ultimately hinders Africa’s economic growth and identity.
In light of these issues, Sheeran has publicly reassessed his involvement with the project, expressing that he would have declined permission to feature in the latest version if asked. He acknowledged that his view on the song has shifted significantly after discussions with Fuse ODG over the past decade, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and respectful approach to representing Africa in popular media.
Bob Geldof, co-writer of the original song, defended the intent behind the project, claiming it has saved countless lives since its release. However, he faced accusations of ignoring the colonial narratives embedded within the song’s original message. The tension highlights an ongoing debate about how best to contribute to humanitarian causes without reinforcing damaging stereotypes.
As the controversy unfolds surrounding the 2024 release of Do They Know It’s Christmas?, it raises important questions about representation, consent, and the real impact charitable initiatives can have on the narratives surrounding the regions they aim to help. This Christmas, the discussions sparked by this classic anthem may serve as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that come with using art for a cause.
