Ed Sheeran claims Band Aid used his vocal without permission

Ed Sheeran has claimed that Band-Aid 40 organisers did not seek his approval to use his voice on the upcoming anniversary version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas.'

Sheeran, who featured on Band Aid 30 alongside Sam Smith and One Direction ten years ago, said that if he was offered to appear on the new track he would have "respectfully declined" - citing ethical concerns over foreign aid in Africa.

"My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals," he wrote on instagram. "A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed.”

Sheeran shared a post by British-Ghanaian vocalist Fuse ODG that explained that he believes initiatives like Band Aid, “perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity. By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement."

Fuse added that he wants to, “reclaim the narrative … today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid, proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lie in its own hands.”

Fuse was invited to appear on the 2014 version of the track, but declined, writing at the time that, “I, like many others, am sick of the whole concept of Africa – a resource-rich continent with unbridled potential – always being seen as diseased, infested and poverty-stricken.”

The latest rendition of 'Do They Know Its Christmas' was recorded on three separate occasions, over three separate Band Aid generations between 1984 and 2014, with English producer Trevor Horn blending the voices into a new track.