🔅 Why Ed Sheeran Cut Ties With Band Aid
The Youth Takes On Liberation-Era Parties & From Granny to Glam!
Image of the Day
Good Morning from Roberts Airport (ROB), Liberia
Spotlight Stories
Ed Sheeran's View on Band Aid: A Shift in Perspective
Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter, has recently expressed his reservations about being included in the forthcoming 40th-anniversary version of the Band Aid charity single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
Sheeran, who appeared on the 2014 version of the song (see above), has aligned himself with criticism of the initiative as dehumanising and damaging to Africans.
Producer Trevor Horn has created a new "Ultimate Mix" of the song, drawing from three previous recordings in 1984, 2004, and 2014. The all-star cast includes George Michael, Robbie Williams, Sinéad O'Connor, and many more.
However, Sheeran took to Instagram to voice his concerns. He stated that his approval wasn't sought for this release and that, given the choice, he would have respectfully declined the use of his vocals. Sheeran shared a post by British-Ghanaian vocalist Fuse ODG, saying it "eloquently explained" his feelings about the song. Fuse ODG criticised charity initiatives like Band Aid for perpetuating damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride, and identity.
Fuse ODG argued that by showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement. He emphasised that Africa's solutions and progress lie in its own hands, with the diaspora driving the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid.
Band Aid's Controversial Legacy: Since its founding in 1984, Band Aid has raised over £150m, initially targeting famine relief in Ethiopia and later expanding to charitable efforts across Africa. However, the song has faced criticism for its paternalistic and generalising attitude towards Africans. In 2014, the lyrics were changed, including Bono's climactic line, "Well tonight thank God it's them, instead of you," which was replaced with "Well tonight we're reaching out and touching you." Despite these changes, the song's underlying message continues to face scrutiny.
Sheeran's decision to speak out against the Band Aid single and align himself with Fuse ODG's criticism highlights a growing awareness of the need for more nuanced and respectful approaches to charity and aid initiatives in Africa.
From Granny to Glam: The Unlikely Rise of Zambia's Margret Chola
Margret Chola, an octogenarian grandma from rural Zambia, is taking the fashion world by storm. Thanks to her granddaughter Diana Kaumba, a New York City-based stylist, Chola has become an Instagram sensation known as "Legendary Glamma," and now has 225,000 followers.
It all started when Kaumba visited Zambia and had some leftover outfits from her trip. She asked her grandma if she wanted to play dress-up, and Chola, with nothing better to do, said, "Why not? You'll miss me when I'm gone, so at least this way, you'll remember me."
Chola's first outfit was a silver pantsuit, a far cry from her usual "chitenge," a traditional patterned cloth wrapped around the waist. Kaumba's goal was to dress up her Mbuya (grandma in the Bemba language) in high fashion and photograph her in her natural habitat—a farm in the village of 10 Miles, just north of Lusaka, the Zambian capital.
When Kaumba posted the first photo, she was nervous. She left her phone for 10 minutes, only to return to 1,000 likes and a flood of comments demanding more. The Granny Series had officially taken off.
Chola poses in a mix of colors, textures, and styles. And then there are the eye-catching accessories, that aren't just for show; they reflect her personality and story. From the beloved radio she carries around all day to the "ibende" (a long wooden stick used for pounding grains), every item has a purpose.
Through the Granny Series, Kaumba hopes to highlight that older people still have a lot to offer and that making memories together is an important way to "leave footprints for the next generation."
Chola's message to others is simple: "Live your life and don't worry about being judged by society. Always forgive yourself for your mistakes. You can never change your past, but you can change your future."
Out With the Old: Africa's Youth Takes On Liberation-Era Parties
Botswana's ruling party just got voted out after (*checks notes) 58 years in power. That's right – the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) went from controlling two-thirds of Parliament to winning just four seats.
Thing is, though, Botswana isn't the only country where the old guard is getting schooled:
South Africa: At the last election, the mighty ANC dropped below 50% for the first time since 1994.
Mozambique: Young people are currently hitting the streets to protest last week’s election, where Frelimo extended its 49-year grip on power.
Indeed, Africa's young population (median age: 19!) is tired of hearing about the good old days of fighting colonialism. To put that in perspective, most of the continent wasn't even born when:
Their leaders first took power
The Lion King first came out
Dial-up internet was still a thing
And these kids? They have some serious questions for their politicians:
"Cool liberation story, but where are the jobs?"
"Love the independence narrative, but what about this corruption?"
"Great historical speech, but can we talk about basic services?"
Botswana's new president, Duma Boko, is 54 – practically a teenager by African leader standards. His party, Umbrella for Democratic Change, swept in with some pretty bold promises, like creating half a million jobs (in a country of 2.5 million…), and actually listening to young people (revolutionary, we know).
It remains to be seen if this new guard will actually be able to deliver on their promises. Creating jobs is hard, and running a country is even more complicated.
But one thing's clear: Africa's youth isn't just asking for change anymore – they're voting for it, protesting for it, and making it happen. And they're doing it with better memes than their parents ever could.
Remember: Politics is like fashion – if you don't update your style for 58 years, someone's eventually going to call you out on it
Food for Thought
“It is better to lick the hands of poverty than the hands of death.”
— Sudanese Proverb