However, there has been a growing chorus of disapproval around the Band Aid project, with critics highlighting the song’s patronising portrayal of Africa as a barren land that needed rescuing by Western intervention.
Ethiopia’s prime minister Abiy Ahmed said that while the 80s original was “well-meaning at the time”, it was “frustrating to see our nation’s ancient history, culture, diversity and beauty reduced to doom and gloom”.
Speaking to The Times, external, he said that Band Aid’s “humanitarian commitment is admirable and to be appreciated” but that “a good cause that has not evolved with the times might end up doing more harm than good”.
Last week, Ed Sheeran criticised the new remix, saying Band Aid didn’t ask for permission to re-use his vocals – and that he would have declined if asked.
He reposted a statement by the rapper Fuse ODG, who said he had refused to take part in the 2014 remake of Do They Know It’s Christmas?, arguing that the lyrics perpetuate the idea that Africa is plagued by “famine and poverty”, which is “not the truth”.
Sir Bob responded to the criticism over the weekend.
“This little pop song has kept millions of people alive,” he told The Times, external. “Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal?
“Why not keep doing that? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy? No abstract theory regardless of how sincerely held should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real-world reality.
“There are 600 million hungry people in the world – 300 million are in Africa. We wish it were other but it is not. We can help some of them. That’s what we will continue to do.”