Singer Fuse ODG releases Band Aid rebuttal music video
British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG has released a new music video, We Know It’s Christmas, as a direct response to the 40th-anniversary remake of Band-Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?. Fuse, who has long been critical of foreign aid narratives in Africa, describes his latest track as “not just a song” but “a statement.”
The video begins with Fuse declaring on ITV’s Good Morning Britain that “African problems need to be solved by Africans.” It features vibrant imagery of African landscapes, and bustling cities, and nods to influential figures such as Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
Fuse’s stance aligns with his earlier criticisms of Band-Aid’s portrayal of Africa, which he says perpetuates harmful stereotypes. He previously refused to participate in a Band-Aid project, stating, “Initiatives like these generate sympathy and donations but reinforce damaging perceptions of Africa as a continent defined by poverty and crisis. This stifles tourism, investment, and economic growth, costing Africa trillions and undermining its dignity and identity.”
In the wake of the latest Band-Aid release, Ed Sheeran, whose vocals were reused without permission, credited Fuse for influencing his perspective. “A decade on, my understanding of the narrative has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg,” Sheeran wrote on social media.
Fuse ODG emphasizes that his new track is about empowerment. “This song reflects where we’ve come from and where we’re going. We’re no longer waiting for charity; we’re building our own futures,” he explained. “It’s about pride, identity, and showing the world that Africa’s story is far more than poverty and aid.”
The original Do They Know It’s Christmas?, written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was intended to raise money for Ethiopia’s famine. However, critics like Fuse argue that its lyrics and visuals have left a damaging legacy. Speaking to BBC, Fuse acknowledged the well-meaning nature of the original project but added, “In trying to solve a temporary crisis, we created a dangerous identity crisis for a whole continent.”
While Fuse’s critique has sparked debate, some contributors to Band-Aid, like Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, defended the project’s intentions, arguing that dismissing such efforts undermines the spirit of helping those in need.
Fuse ODG remains resolute in his mission to reshape Africa’s narrative, stating, “The images that Band-Aid portrays don’t align with our vision to show Africa in a positive light.”
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