Wednesday, November 19, 2014

This Charity Song Is Derogatory Of Africa - Ghanaian Singer Tells The World

Fuse ODG

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British born Ghanaian Singer, Nana Richard Abiona known by his stage name Fuse ODG, has pulled out of recording of Band Aid 30's charity single, " Do They Know its Christmas" because he feels it's a quick fix to a bigger problem.

Award winning Fuse ODG whose debut album, TINA, an acronym for "This Is New Africa", was released on 5 October 2014 said the lyrics of the charity song stand against his believe of Africa as a great continent.

The controversial charity song is an updated version of Bob Geldof's 1984 original song of the same title and it is meant to raise money to combat the outbreak of Ebola in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Fuse ODG

While many agreed that the cause is unquestionably important, many argued that the song is insulting, stereotype-ridden, and inaccurate portrayal of Africa as a continent.

Though the new Band Aid 30 single has been criticised for being damaging to Africa. The charity song has already become the fastest-selling single of 2014.

In an an interview with BBC Newsbeat, Fuse ODG said, "I just feel like in the short term we can raise a bit of money. People can feel good donating £2. But in the long term I don't see people going over to Africa and spending even more money. So I feel like in the long term it's quite detrimental to the continent.

"I felt it wasn't in line with the new African movement. I'm always banging on about how amazing Africa is and shedding light on the positives sides," the rapper said.

South London born Fuse ODG says he supports Bob Geldof's efforts to help but it's all about perspective.

"There's a lyric that says 'No peace and joy in West Africa this Christmas' but there's going to be peace and joy in West Africa, Ebola is only in three countries Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia," Fuse said.

In an earlier interview with BBC Newsbeat, Bob Geldof revealed he had a phone call with Fuse ODG and offered the option of changing the lyrics.

But Fuse ODG responded that, "There was only so much that I could change. I can't control what other people are saying.This song has so many lines. I can't just change one line and then think the song is okay. I didn't agree with most of the lines in the song."

A large part of Fuse ODG's musical persona has been passion for Africa and Africans.

The controversial song available for download since Monday morning (November 17) is already No. 1 in 48 countries. According to BBC, latest figures show it's already the fastest selling single of 2014 with more than 206,000 copies being bought in the UK alone.

Bob Geldof of Band Aid 30

Lyrics Of controversial Band Aid's – Do They Know It's Christmas son

It's Christmastime; there's no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

But say a prayer to pray for the other ones
At Christmastime
It's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Oh, where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Here's to you, raise a glass for ev'ryone
Here's to them, underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmastime again
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again