Band Aid: Feed the (world) narrative

It’s those opening bars that let me know it’s definitely Christmas. 

Every time I hear the song I can picture exactly which 80s icon is singing the lyrics. I recall the wonderful video. The sight of seeing all these amazing musicians coming together for charity, ushered along by Sir Bob and Midge Ure. 

We saw aid parcels being helicoptered into Ethiopia on the BBC News. The song was played in my school assembly. It felt like - and was - a historical moment. From that point on, Sir Bob became one of my heroes. I read his autobiography, felt sad at the breakdown of his marriage to Paula, played Boomtown Rats during labour. So, make no mistake, this legend who told TV viewers to “pick up the phone and give us your f**king money” holds a special place in my pop culture heart.

But, BUT last year we hosted a series of learning sessions where we demonstrated how popular culture perpetuates harmful narratives. We also know through developing representation strategies and policies for global organisations that equity now needs to be baked into any approach to content creation. 

The lyrics were fit for purpose in 1984 but 40 years on they are not. 

And that’s a problem. 

This was brought to life once again this week by Fuse ODG as well as Ed Sheeran, who wishes he wasn’t on the new Band Aid song. While the intent behind the original recording may have been positive, the lyrics, through today’s lens, are ignorant of the power dynamics that destroyed the economies and livelihoods of many countries across the continent of Africa. 

They’re also ignorant of the fact that Africa is not a homogenous entity, and that there are in fact thriving cities and places of culture and wealth. 

Sir Bob saying “Haha … It’s a pop song ffs” entirely misses the point that all forms of popular culture have an incredibly strong influence on society. Indeed, a lot of the time, it shapes society. So a song featuring voices of music icons that perpetuates stereotypes and White saviourism really isn’t cool. 

For those who are wondering what in the name of wokery is wrong with the lyrics, take a read:

“There won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time. The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life. Where nothing ever grows. No rain nor rivers flow. Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?’

Kelechi Kelechnekoff has previously spoken on the topic in a lengthy Twitter thread;  “Well yes motherfuckers. We do know it’s Christmas due to a little thing called colonisation, we know more than we’d care to,” she said. 

Dr Asher Larmie has said “Are you kidding me with this s**t? Do you own a map? There are seven major rivers in Africa. Nothing ever grows? Watch a wildlife documentary. There won’t be snow in England either. And I’m sure a lot of African kids will tell you the greatest gift they’ll get is a PlayStation 5. Because Africa is not a continent filled with mud huts and starving children. The fact that a group of white people wrote a song with lyrics like ‘Pray for the other ones’, ‘give a little help to the helpless’ and ‘feed the world’ is bad enough. Playing it all these years later?”

And there we have it, the intent was undoubtedly positive but the impact far from it and begs the question of why the lyrics can’t just be updated. After all, Shane MacGowan changed the lyrics of ‘Fairytale of New York’ to revise out-dated, homophobic language and although there was backlash, it really hasn’t harmed its popularity. 

The song offers a huge opportunity to continue to raise awareness of current global politics and educate a new generation of listeners. Alas, past my GCSE music I have not engaged in song-writing, so I asked Chat GPT for a bit of help:

[Verse 1] 

It's Christmastime, a time to spread the cheer, To come together, show the love that's here. And in our world of plenty, we can lend a helping hand, To those who need it most across the land.

[Pre-Chorus] 

But there's a light that shines so bright, A beacon in the darkest night. Together, we can make it right, And hold the world in love tonight.

[Chorus] 

Let’s raise our voices high for everyone, With open hearts, there's so much to be done. We're sharing joy, we're building hope, we're one, And yes, they know it's Christmastime for all.

[Verse 2] 

Across the earth, the seasons all unfold, Each with stories, new and old. Let’s honor every culture, every voice, Celebrate the world, we have a choice.

[Pre-Chorus] 

No matter where or how we pray, Together, we can light the way. With kindness as our gift today, We'll bring the dawn of brighter days.

[Chorus]

Let’s raise our voices high for everyone,

With open hearts, there's so much to be done. We're sharing joy, we're building hope, we're one, And yes, they know it's Christmastime for all.

[Bridge] 

Here’s to the love that we all can share, To the hands that heal, the hearts that care. Here's to the dream of a world that's free, Where kindness flows for you and me.

[Outro] 

Let the world sing, with hope in every voice, United, we can make a brighter choice. We lift each other up and stand so tall, And yes, they know it’s Christmastime for all.

OK, it might not convince you to give me your f**king money, but I’m sure Ed Sheeran and Fuse ODG could collaborate on something way better. I’m here to write the press release!