“Orthodox Ethiopian Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January, 40 years after the original recording of the charity song ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’. The song, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to the famine in Ethiopia, has sparked a debate over its portrayal of Africa. While some, like Ethiopian official Dawit Giorgis, appreciate the philanthropic response it generated, others, like British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG, criticize its stereotypical representation of the continent. Despite the controversy, Band Aid Trust continues to provide aid in Ethiopia and other African countries. The debate surrounding the song reflects a broader shift in charity campaigns, with organizations like Radi-Aid highlighting the importance of ethical guidelines and respectful portrayals of those in need of assistance.”
