The recent release of the 40th anniversary remake of Band Aid’s famous charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” has sparked renewed discussions about its portrayal of Africa and the societal implications of its message. Initially recorded in 1984 to address the Ethiopian famine, the new “ultimate mix” blends together various renditions of the song, allowing artists from different eras to perform alongside each other, such as George Michael sharing vocal space with Harry Styles and Chris Martin harmonizing with the Sugababes.
Despite the celebratory nature of the remaster, not all reactions have been positive. British musician Ed Sheeran expressed his disapproval regarding his vocals being included in the new version without his consent, citing a change in the song’s narrative. Sheeran indicated that if he had been asked, he would have refused permission for his voice to be reused due to the evolving context of the lyrics and their implications. This criticism led to a response from Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, one of the original vocalists from the 1984 recording, who downplayed Sheeran’s objections, telling BBC Radio 2 that criticisms like his should be disregarded. Hadley emphasized the need for collaboration in fundraising efforts for various charities and the original intention behind the creation of Band Aid, which was to provide assistance during a devastating famine in Ethiopia.
The issue of representation and narrative surrounding Africa is at the core of the debate. Ed Sheeran’s stance was partly influenced by the views of British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG, who argued that “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” perpetuates stereotypical portrayals of Africa as a continent plagued by famine and poverty that requires Western intervention. This sentiment was echoed by Midge Ure, who co-wrote the original track and acknowledged the critiques of Band Aid’s message. Ure stated that while he understood the arguments regarding the “white savior complex,” he asserted that the song was not meant to paint Africa negatively but rather to highlight the harsh realities of famine and conflict.
The new mix, produced by Trevor Horn, made use of advanced technology to combine vocal contributions from different time periods, resulting in a fresh take that includes artists from across the decades. This extensively produced version drew on machine learning to isolate various vocal performances, allowing previously unrecorded takes to be integrated into the final product. The resulting piece retains elements from past recordings while including a poignant sample of Michael Buerk’s impactful BBC report on the Ethiopian famine, which initially inspired Bob Geldof to create the song.
In addition to Sheeran’s objections, concerns persist about the portrayal of African nations and communities in the context of the Band Aid project. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, expressed frustration at the way the country’s rich cultural heritage is often overshadowed by depictions of suffering and disaster. However, Sir Bob Geldof has countered criticism by insisting that the intention of Band Aid has always been to provide tangible support and assistance to those in dire need, emphasizing that millions have benefitted from the fundraising efforts sparked by the single.
The new version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” retains key elements from the original while attempting to address some contemporary criticisms. As listeners engage with the song, they find themselves confronted with a complex conversation around philanthropy, representation, and the evolving narratives that accompany global humanitarian efforts. Fundamentally, the project aims to create connections that empower individuals facing adversity, stripping away the notion of a one-sided narrative while confronting the stark realities of hunger and poverty that still exist in many parts of the world today.
Overall, the discussion surrounding the Band Aid remake highlights the ongoing challenges of navigating charity, representation, and the importance of a sensitive approach to addressing complex global issues. While music can be a powerful tool for change, it must also evolve in its approach and understanding of the communities it seeks to portray and support.
