Overview

• A new remix of 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' blends vocals from the 1984 original with later versions, including contributions from 2014, to commemorate Band Aid's 40th anniversary.
• Ed Sheeran, whose vocals from the 2014 version were used in the new mix without his consent, criticized the project and highlighted concerns about its portrayal of Africa.
• Critics argue that the song perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Africa as a continent in perpetual crisis, overshadowing local initiatives and progress.
• Bob Geldof defended the project, emphasizing its tangible impact, including recent funding for children and refugees affected by conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia.
• The Band Aid Charitable Trust, which has raised nearly £150 million since 1984, continues to fund long-term initiatives like education, clean water, and gender-based violence prevention.