Ed Sheeran / Photo = Reuters British pop star Ed Sheeran and singer-songwriter Bob Geldof are in conflict over the release of ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’, a song commemorating the 40th anniversary of ‘Band Aid’. It continues. Ed Sheeran, who participated in ‘Band Aid’ 10 years ago, criticized the song for being made from a Western-centric perspective and opposed participation this year.
According to local foreign media such as the British daily Telegraph, Ed Sheeran recently posted on his social network service (SNS), “10 years have passed and my thoughts have changed. This is my personal position. I hope it is a future-oriented position. Sending love to everyone.” He wrote:
Additionally, Ghanaian-British songwriter and rapper Fuse ODG shared a statement criticizing Band Aid and refusing to participate in the 2014 version of the song.
Fuse Audeze’s statement, shared by Ed Sheeran, claims that charities like Band Aid fail to invest money in the continent itself, dehumanize the continent’s people and exclude Africans from their own stories. .
Bob Geldof co-wrote ‘Do Day Know It’s Christmas’, inspired by the 1984 Ethiopian famine reported by BBC journalist Michael Burke. He has since released music for charity across Africa. According to what Geldof revealed to a media outlet, the ‘Band Aid’ charitable trust has raised 140 million pounds (about 246.3 billion won) so far.
So far, famous singers such as U2’s Bono, George Michael, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Paul McCartney, and One Direction have participated. Ed Sheeran also joined in 2014.
Bob Geldof / Photo = Reuters This year, Bob Geldof prepared a 40th anniversary remix that combines versions of songs released in 1984, 1989, 2004, and 2014. However, Ed Sheeran revealed that he did not receive prior consent for his vocals to be included in the 2024 remix, and there is no way he would have consented.
‘Do Day Know It’s Christmas?’ says, “There will be no snow in Africa this Christmas. The most precious gift they have this year is life. A place where nothing has ever grown. A place where there is no rain and no rivers run. Will they know it’s Christmas? ?” Includes lyrics such as: This led to criticism that it was Western-centric. Other songs were also embroiled in similar controversy.
British singer Adele declined to record the song for its 30th anniversary in 2014, and American music magazine Rolling Stone ranked the song as the third worst Christmas song in December 2017, saying “mostly white, wealthy celebrities are accused of colonialism, racist stereotypes, and geographical issues.” He also pointed out, “It’s a song that exposes arrogance filled with incompetence.”
Meanwhile, a Band Aid spokesperson told People, “Ed Sheeran did not request that his vocals be removed from the record. Bob Geldof later called to speak directly with Ed.”
Bob Geldof says he has no intention of stopping his activities. “Of the 600 million hungry people in the world today, half of them live in Africa,” he told one media outlet. “We can help some of them. That’s why we want to continue.”
Kim Soo-young, Hankyung.com reporter swimmingk@hankyung.com
How does the lyrical content of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, particularly its portrayal of Africa, reflect the cultural attitudes and perspectives prevalent during the 1980s?
## World Today News Presents: The Legacy of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’
**Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the pressing issues shaping our world.** Today, we’re tackling the controversy surrounding the 40th anniversary remix of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Joining us to discuss the evolution of this iconic charity song, its impact, and the ongoing debate about its message are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Abena Amoah:** A renowned cultural anthropologist specializing in African representation in media.
* **Mr. Daniel Richards:** A music journalist and contributor to Rolling Stone Magazine, known for his insightful commentary on the history of popular music and social movements.
**Let’s begin.**
**Section 1: The Birth of a Phenomenon**
* **Dr. Amoah, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was a global phenomenon, raising millions for famine relief. How did the song resonate with audiences in the 1980’s and what made it so effective in mobilizing support?**
* **Mr. Richards, the original song brought together some of the biggest names in music for a common cause. What was unique about this collaborative effort, and how did it impact the music industry’s approach to charitable endeavors?**
**Section 2: Evolving Perspectives: Dialogue and Criticism**
* **Dr. Amoah, over time, critiques emerged regarding the song’s portrayal of Africa and its people. Can you elaborate on these concerns and how they reflect a shift in global consciousness about representation and cultural sensitivity?**
* **Mr. Richards, Ed Sheeran’s recent refusal to participate in the 40th-anniversary remix has reignited this debate. What do you make of his position, and how do you see his stance reflecting a broader evolution of thinking within the music industry?**
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Charting a New Course for Charity Music?**
* **Dr. Amoah, Bob Geldof maintains that the intent of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is noble and that the need for aid in Africa remains urgent. How can future charity music initiatives learn from past criticisms while still raising awareness and funds for critical causes?**
* **Mr. Richards, how do you envision the future of music and activism? Do you see a role for charitable anthems in rallying support for global issues, and what steps can be taken to ensure these initiatives are both effective and respectful?**
**These are just some of the questions we’ll be exploring today. Join us as we delve deeper into this complex issue, examining the legacy of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and its ramifications for music, charity, and our understanding of global interconnectedness.**
![[Recruiting participants]International Understanding Education/Development Education Teacher Seminar (Basic Edition) | Initiatives in Japan – JICA](https://i0.wp.com/www.jica.go.jp/assets/img/ogp_ja.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 "[Recruiting participants]International Understanding Education/Development Education Teacher Seminar (Basic Edition) | Initiatives in Japan – JICA")
