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\n\tLast week, supergroup Band Aid<\/a> \u2013 organized by Sir Bob Geldof and Ultravox\u2019s Midge Ure \u2013 announced<\/a> that they would be releasing an \u201cultimate mix\u201d of festive charity single \u201cDo They Know It\u2019s Christmas?\u201d for its 40th anniversary. The new release will feature vocals from across the four recorded versions from 1984, 1989, 2004 and 2014, including takes from Bono<\/a>, George Michael<\/a>, Harry Styles<\/a> (as part of One Direction) and more.<\/p>\n \n\tEd Sheeran<\/a>, who performed on the 2014 edition of the single alongside Coldplay, Sam Smith, Rita Ora and more, has since said that his vocals are being used without his permission on the latest remix.<\/p>\n \n\tWriting on his Instagram Stories<\/a>, Sheeran said, \u201cMy approval wasn\u2019t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release,\u201d Sheeran said. \u201cHad I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tHe added: \u201cA decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I\u2019m hoping it\u2019s a forward-looking one. Love to all x.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tSheeran was quoting a post by Ghanian-English afrobeats musician Fuse ODG, who says he declined to take part in the Band Aid 30 version back in 2014. \u201cI refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa,\u201d he wrote<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cWhile they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa\u2019s economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tHe continued, \u201cBy showcasing dehumanizing imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement. My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cToday, the diaspora drives the largest funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid providing that Africa\u2019s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe song was first released in 1984 following a report by the BBC<\/em> into famine in Ethiopia, but has since been criticized as an example of white-savior narrative towards issues in Africa. Moky Makura, executive director of non-profit organization Africa No Filter writing in The Guardian<\/a><\/em> that \u201c[Live Aid\u2019s] portrayal of Africa triggered the birth of a patronizing industry whose mission it was to \u2018save Africa.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n