Bob Geldof is firmly doubling down on his support for the 40th anniversary re-recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”—the iconic charity single he co-wrote with Midge Ure to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Despite a renewed wave of controversy surrounding its lyrics, the Band Aid founder, 73, stands by the song’s ongoing relevance and its ability to spark important conversations.
During an appearance on CNN This Morning on November 26, Geldof spoke candidly about the renewed debate over the 1984 classic, particularly its portrayal of Africa, which has drawn criticism over the years for perpetuating stereotypes. The most recent backlash was sparked by Ed Sheeran, who was involved in the 30th anniversary version of the song but was unhappy to learn that his vocals were used on the new version without his approval.
“Half the virtue of this record—maybe more than half—is that as opinions and sensibilities change, the debate evolves too,” Geldof explained. “It’s part of the political process. So, right now, the conversation about Africa and its representation in the West will be elevated. That’s the point.”
Geldof acknowledged that it’s a challenging time to raise such arguments, especially given the current political climate. But he’s convinced that the song’s legacy is important precisely because it opens up such difficult conversations. “This record and its critics bring the debate to a new level,” he continued. “It allows us to have a cultural dialogue that holds politicians accountable for their actions.”
The anniversary re-release has sparked mixed emotions among artists and fans alike. While some, like Sheeran, have questioned the song’s message in the modern context, Geldof remains resolute in his belief that the mission behind “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”—raising money for charity—has saved lives over the past four decades.
Over the years, Band Aid has raised millions for famine relief, and Geldof points to this success as proof of the song’s enduring power. “Hundreds of thousands—probably millions—are alive because of a little pop song,” he said. “That is a ridiculous way to run the world, but when it doesn’t change, we’ll keep getting the greatest artists together to do it.”
The song was originally recorded in 1984 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, with Geldof and Ure enlisting some of the biggest British and Irish stars of the time, including members of Duran Duran, U2, and Wham! Since then, it’s been re-recorded three more times, with the most recent version featuring a new generation of artists.
The original song raised a staggering $10.1 million in its first year, but its lyrics—specifically the line “Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?”—have long been criticized for presenting a simplistic and patronizing view of Africa. Fuse ODG, a Ghanaian-British Afrobeat musician, has been particularly vocal about the song’s outdated portrayal of the continent, which he believes reinforces damaging stereotypes.
“Sheeran recently voiced his concerns on social media, saying that he was not asked for permission to have his vocals used on the 40th anniversary version. He made it clear that, had he been consulted, he would have declined. “My understanding of the narrative has changed over time,” Sheeran said, sharing Fuse ODG’s perspective. “This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one.”
In response to these criticisms, Geldof explained that his efforts to support African development are aligned with the views expressed by critics like Fuse ODG. “I’ve been lobbying for exactly what Fuse is talking about,” he said. “In 2008, I raised a $200 million investment fund for Africa because the continent wasn’t getting the support it needed.” He went on to describe how the investment fund employed 110,000 workers across eight countries, helping support 140,000 dependents.
“I’m 100% with the argument,” he continued. “If you inject cash into an economy, people thrive. We brought in workers’ rights, trade unions’ rights, and financial accountability. It’s exactly what Fuse is advocating for.”
Despite the tension surrounding the anniversary release, Geldof and Sheeran have since patched things up. The two musicians spoke privately, and Geldof expressed admiration for Sheeran’s intelligence and kindness. “Ed is a really clever guy. He’s a great artist. We had a conversation and we worked it out,” Geldof said. “We may disagree on some things, but that’s the point. We should be having these conversations.”
With the 40th anniversary release of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” continuing to spark debates on Africa, charity, and the legacy of Band Aid, Bob Geldof remains determined to carry the torch forward. His commitment to using music to make a difference shows no signs of slowing down.
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