Bob Geldof Defends “Do They Know It's Christmas?”

Ed Sheeran says he would have 'respectfully' declined the request of re-using his vocals on the 40th anniversary version of “Do They Know It's Christmas?” Writer Bob Geldof sounds off to defend the composition.

Sheeran's vocals appear on a 30th anniversary remix of the song that includes Coldplay, Sinead O'Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction, and Rita Ora and was released in 2014. Now a 40th anniversary mix released today that blends Ed Sheeran's vocals with Sting from the original 1984 version.

“My approval wasn't sought on this new Band Aid 40 release,” Sheeran writes on Instagram. “Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals. A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I'm hoping it's a forward-looking one.”

Sheeran cites the post by British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG that has criticized foreign aid in Africa. British rocker Bob Geldof is the driving force behind the first version of the song, first released 40 years ago as a means to raise funds for Ethiopians and credited under the name 'Band Aid'—a collection of superstar musicians. The Christmas single has raised $10 million for its cause so far. Rapper Fuse ODG has criticized how that money is spent.

“While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride, and identity,” Fuse ODG has said about the song. He criticizes the song as a product of 'white savorism,' stating: “African problems should be solved by Africans.” Fuse ODG released his own song called, “We Know It's Christmas” and will donate the proceeds from that song to local projects in Africa.

Meanwhile, Bob Geldof has taken to social media to rebuke criticism of the 40-year-old song. “These are not 'colonial tropes' they are empirical facts. Climate change affects the poorest first and worst. War exacerbates these conditions. This little pop song has kept millions of people alive,” he wrote.