Fuse ODG challenges Band Aid’s legacy

As Band Aid marks its 40th anniversary, British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG has criticized its portrayal of Africa, which he believes reinforced harmful stereotypes.

Originally released in 1984 to raise funds for famine relief, the song and its imagery depicted Africa as perpetually impoverished and dependent on aid.

Fuse ODG, who has worked to reshape Africa’s image through his music, reflected on how this portrayal negatively affected his identity as a young African in the UK.

He also declined to participate in the 2019 re-recording of "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" for similar reasons, emphasizing the need to showcase Africa’s vibrancy and resilience.