Do They Know It’s Christmas?
It’s interesting to be reminded that this week marks the 40th anniversary of the recording of the Band Aid (Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure) single “Do They Know It’s Christmas? – eventually released on 7 December 1984 and reaching number one in the charts and raising £8m within a year to support Ethiopia which was then suffering from drought and famine.
Move on 40 years and the well-known singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is quoted as saying he would have stopped his vocals being used on a new version of the iconic song because of his fears that the song reinforces African stereotypes. Sheeran is saying he was not asked about the 40th anniversary special, which uses samples from the four earlier records, at least one of which (presumably 2014) he was involved in recording.
We won’t discuss Sheeran’s ability to protect his copyright as he and his team are very good at that!
What we will discuss is whether or not Ed Sheeran has a point, that Do They Know It’s Christmas? does now indeed “reinforce African stereotypes” and, if so, how better the West could modify its approach to aid and support for the relatively deprived peoples of Africa.
Sheeran isI quoted as saying:
“A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by Fuse ODG. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one.”
We looked into this:
Fuse ODG is quoted recently as saying: “Ten years ago I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa. They perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment and ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.”
He is pretty eloquent and in 2014 was a pretty big star who would likely have benefitted personally from participating in the 30th anniversary Band Aid recording. That he chose not to do so gains him the respect to be listened to.
Sir Bob has commented that the [white saviour complex backlash against Band Aid] is “the greatest load of b…….s ever” - Well he would, wouldn’t he! - Geldof was the phenomenal, driving force behind Band Aid which was a pretty incredible movement in 1984 and, most would accept, was a force for good in its support for Ethiopia at that time.
We give Geldof his due also that he is criticising specifically the “white saviour complex backlash against Band Aid”. Geldof probably sees the “white saviour” as Himself and so naturally he takes this criticism personally. Any personal criticism of Geldof is unfair for what he has done and the energy he gave to his cause .
Having said all of that, is it appropriate to continue with this approach to aid and support in Africa?
Instead, we are of the view that British coffee businesses that import from Africa, should work with local partners to not only ensure fair trade but to invest in future economic stability and wellbeing, by empowering farmers and their communities to build sustainable businesses, diversify incomes and improve agricultural output that will help them thrive amidst the many challenges that life and work, in the coffee growing communities, can bring.
That is our view and our way, as we work along side The Foundation for Sustainable Community Based Development in Jinja, Uganda, to support the communities that cultivate our delicious MAD! Coffee beans.