My criticism of the Band Aid charity single caused a storm. Now let’s talk about the way forward for Africa | Fuse ODG

Band Aid was well meaning, but it has done more harm than good. We in the diaspora are taking back control of the narrative

• Fuse ODG is a British-Ghanaian Afrobeats artist

This Christmas, something significant is unfolding. I believe that in decades to come, the world will look back at the 2024 festive season as a key moment when Africans took back control of their narrative.

Last month, I shared a short video expressing my shock and disbelief at the news that Bob Geldof was releasing a super-mix of the Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas? to mark its 40th anniversary. Alongside this, the BBC announced a documentary to celebrate it. This moment has sparked a much-needed conversation about the outdated and harmful messaging embedded in the lyrics and imagery of the song.