Damaging Africa's identity' Is it time Band Aid changed its tune?

Is it time Band Aid changed its tune?

- Esther Addley

Forty years ago this week, a group of pop stars gathered at a west London studio to record a single that would raise millions, inspire further starry projects, and ultimately change UK charity fundraising. Do They Know It's Christmas, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's festive charity behemoth, would go on to raise almost £150m for famine relief and development in Ethiopia and across Africa. To mark the anniversary, on Monday a new version of the single - its fifth - will be released: Band Aid 40.

Four decades on, however, is Band Aid doing harm as well as good? That was the suggestion of a statement this week by Ed Sheeran, who sang on the version of the single released in 2014 and whose voice has been used in the remix. He had not been asked permission, said Sheeran on social media, and would have declined. He shared a post by the musician Fuse ODG, a longtime Band Aid critic, who argues such initiatives "perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately destroying its dignity, pride and identity".

There are many in the development sector who share this view. Critics point to problematic lyrics - yes, they do know it is Christmas in Ethiopia, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world - and images of nameless, helpless victims.