The 40th-anniversary re-release of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? has reignited criticism of its outdated portrayal of Africa. Critics, including Fuse ODG, argue that the song perpetuates harmful stereotypes, overshadowing Africa’s diversity and progress. While Band Aid aimed to address genuine humanitarian crises, Fuse ODG believes that its narrative has done more harm than good. He argues that the song has contributed to Africa’s global misrepresentation, which has led to billions of pounds in higher interest rates on sovereign debt. The British Ghanaian Afrobeats artist emphasizes the need for Africans to reclaim their identity, highlighting initiatives like the School of New Africa (SONA) to teach African history and culture. Fuse ODG urges immediate action to ensure the continent has the resources and infrastructure needed to resolve its challenges. He notes that African contributions from the diaspora now exceed $90 billion annually, driving this shift.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
