No, Ed Sheeran is not an official, consenting participant in the 2024 40th-anniversary version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?".
Ed Sheeran's Stance on the 2024 Anniversary Version
The iconic charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, leading to a new version. However, Ed Sheeran has publicly stated that he was not asked for permission to re-use his vocals for this new recording. Had he been approached, he would have respectfully declined the request to participate.
Why Ed Sheeran Declined
Ed Sheeran's decision stems from a critical perspective on foreign aid. He cited a post by British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG, who has openly criticized certain aspects of foreign aid in Africa. This aligns with a growing sentiment among some artists and activists who advocate for alternative approaches to development and support that empower local communities without perpetuating dependency.
Key points regarding Ed Sheeran's non-involvement:
- No Official Participation: He did not record new vocals or officially join the 2024 project.
- Lack of Consent for Re-use: His previously recorded vocals were reportedly re-used without his explicit permission for the new anniversary version.
- Principled Stance: His decision to decline, if asked, is based on a critical view of foreign aid models.
Context of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" was originally released in 1984 by Band Aid, a supergroup of British and Irish musicians. Co-written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song aimed to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. It has since been re-recorded multiple times, including in 1989, 2004, and 2014, with each iteration featuring a new generation of artists. The 2024 version marks the 40th anniversary of the original release.
Summary of Ed Sheeran's Involvement Status
To clarify Ed Sheeran's connection to the 2024 "Do They Know It's Christmas?" project:
| Aspect | Status for 2024 "Do They Know It's Christmas?" |
|---|---|
| Official Participation | No |
| Permission for Vocals | Not explicitly granted; existing vocals reportedly reused without new consent. |
| Willingness to Join | Would have respectfully declined. |
| Reason for Decline | Concerns regarding the efficacy and implications of foreign aid. |
This indicates that while his voice might be heard on the 2024 version due to the re-use of older recordings, he is not actively supporting or endorsing this particular anniversary release, and would have chosen not to be involved if given the choice.
