«I was not asked for approval to be part of the new single for Band Aid 40. If I had the opportunity I would not have allowed the use of my voice». With a story shared on his Instagram profile Ed Sheeran explained his position on the new single announced by Band Aid.
The new version of Do They Know It's Christmas?which will see the light in the next few weeks, will be a mega-mix containing all the voices of the artists involved in the 1984, 2004 and 2014 recordings. In the three editions the names involved, as singers or musicians, were those of Sting, Phil Collins , Damon Albarn, Boy George, Sam Smith, Thom Yorke, George Michael, Harry Styles, Chris Martin, Paul Weller Sugababes, Bananarama, Seal, Sinéad O'Connor, Rita Ora, Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang and many others.
Ed Sheeran, to explain what he defined as “just my personal position”, shared what was stated by the British singer of Ghanaian origins Fuse ODG: “10 years ago I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognize that this type of initiatives bring harm to Africa. While I can generate solidarity and donations, these initiatives perpetuate the harmful stereotype that stifles economic growth, tourism and investment in Africa, costing the continent trillions of dollars and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.” Fuse ODG continues: «By displaying this dehumanized imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than collaboration, discouraging more significant commitments. My mission is to reclaim the narrative of Africans to tell their own stories, redefining their identities, positioning Africa as a hub for investment and tourism.” He concludes: «Today it is the diaspora that brings the largest funds back to the continent, not Band Aid or any other body».
Source: ig profile @teddsphotos
Ed Sheeran, supporting what his colleague said, expressed himself as follows: «After ten years my understanding of the narrative associated with these initiatives has changed».
