Singer Fuse ODG releases Band Aid rebuttal music video

British-Ghanaian singer Fuse ODG, who recently criticised foreign aid in Africa, has released a music video called We Know It’s Christmas, in a rebuttal to the 40th anniversary remake of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas.

The singer/rapper said his latest track is "not just a song" but "a statement".

The video begins with the Grammy-winning star declaring live on ITV's Good Morning Britain programme on that "African problems need to be solved by Africans".

It follows Ed Sheeran saying last month that Band Aid had not asked for permission to re-use his vocals from Band Aid 30 for the remake. He then credited Fuse ODG, who had declined the offer to take part in the project.

Sheeran said "a decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg".

Fuse ODG had posted: "I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa.

"While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate 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's latest video shows off some of the continent's beautiful waterfalls, oceans and bustling cities, as well as making nods to famous black leaders including former Ghana president Kwame Nkrumah.

Speaking about We Know It's Christmas (A Band Aid Reply), the artist said it was intended as "a reflection of where we’ve come from and where we’re going".

"Ten years ago, I made a stand because I believed it was time for Africans to tell their own stories and to redefine the narrative," he said.

"This song is a celebration of that shift. We're no longer waiting for charity; we’re building our own futures," he added.

"This is about empowerment, pride, and showing the world that Africa’s story is far more than poverty and aid."