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NOS news•today, 12:43
British singer Ed Sheeran says the charity Band Aid did not ask for permission to use his voice in a new version of the Christmas hit Do they know it’s Christmas? If that happened, he would have refused: his opinion of the song would have changed in the last ten years.
The pop song was criticized after its release in 1984 for having a “Western view of Africa” and a “disappointing tone” towards the continent. The song was re-released in 1989, 2004 and 2014. Due to continued dissatisfaction with the song, some of the lyrics were rewritten in 2014.
Sheeran contributed to that third version, as did celebrities Coldplay, Sinead O’Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction and Rita Ora. Monday comes Do They Know It’s Christmas – 2024 Ultimate Mix contains pieces from previous versions are accepted. Sheeran’s voice was also recycled, without express permission.
Difficult for Africa
One phrase that was still criticized was, “Well tonight, thank God it’s them, instead of you.” This was changed in the 2014 version to: “Well tonight we reach out and touch you”.
Despite the rewritten text, the criticism did not stand. The British-Ghanaian singer Fuse ODG refused to participate in the third version in 2014. “I see how destructive a campaign like this song is for Africa.”
Although ODG admits that the song “generates sympathy and raises donations”, it cannot look away from the “harmful stereotypes that hinder economic growth, tourism and investment Africa”. These stereotypes would cost the continent trillions of euros and destroy the dignity, pride and identity of Africa.
Download the song different
Sheeran wrote on Instagram that if Band Aid had asked for permission this year, it would have been “politely refused”. “If I had the choice, I would not have allowed myself to use my voice.” The reason for this is that he now has a different view of the number and development support.
“Over the last ten years, my opinion 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 co-wrote the song with Midge Ure, responded to criticism this weekend after announcing 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 areas it affected in Ethiopia as in 1984 . “I wish it was different, but unfortunately. Ideas colonize my ass,” said Geldof.
2024-11-18 11:43:00
#Sheeran #give #permission #voice #Christmas
In what ways has the portrayal of Africa in “Do They Know It’s Christmas” been criticized by artists and commentators?
1. How has Ed Sheeran’s view of the Band Aid charity and the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas” changed over the past ten years?
2. What are some of the specific critiques that have been leveled against the song and its portrayal of Africa and Africans?
3. How has Band Aid attempted to address these critiques in the latest version of the song?
4. What role does Fuse ODG see the song playing in Africa’s economic development and how does he think it perpetuates harmful stereotypes?
5. What does Ed Sheeran think about the original message and intent of the song versus its current interpretation in light of his changed perspective?
6. Given the track record of the Band Aid charity in raising money and awareness for global issues, do you think it’s still an effective means of generating donations and support? If not, what other strategies could be employed?
