The singer says his understanding of the song’s impact has evolved since his 2014 contribution, aligning with critiques of dehumanising imagery in charity initiatives.

Ed Sheeran has expressed regret over his involvement in the forthcoming 40th-anniversary version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? stating that he would have preferred not to be included had he been consulted. The new “Ultimate Mix,” set for release on November 25, will feature Sheeran alongside performers from three different versions of the Band-Aid charity single, originally recorded in 1984, 2004, and 2014.

Sheeran, who contributed to the 2014 version, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the upcoming release, revealing that his approval had not been sought for the use of his vocals. “A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed,” he wrote. In his post, Sheeran shared a statement by British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG, who has long criticised the Band-Aid initiative for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Africa.

Fuse ODG’s criticism centres around the idea that while charity efforts like Band-Aid may raise funds, they do so by presenting Africa in a dehumanising and victimised light, which undermines the continent’s potential for self-sustained growth. “These initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership,” Fuse ODG wrote, advocating for a shift towards recognising Africa’s resilience and progress, driven by the diaspora rather than foreign aid.

Band Aid, founded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984, has raised over £150 million for famine relief and charitable causes, initially focusing on Ethiopia and later expanding across Africa. However, the song’s portrayal of Africa as a place of perpetual suffering and poverty has long been a point of contention. In 2014, the lyrics were altered to address criticisms, including Bono’s infamous line, which was rephrased from “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you” to “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you.”

Sheeran’s remarks align with growing calls for a more nuanced, empowering approach to charity, particularly when addressing issues in Africa. Fuse ODG, who was invited to appear on the 2014 version of the song but declined, has been vocal about his desire to “reclaim the narrative” and emphasise Africa’s economic and cultural potential.In the wake of this controversy, Sheeran is focusing on his own holiday music, with his new Christmas song Under the Tree set to feature in the Netflix film That Christmas, which stars Brian Cox as Santa Claus and Jodie Whittaker, Fiona Shaw, and Bill Nighy in supporting roles