Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. - Music/Radio - Nairaland
Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Music/Radio / Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. (1145 Views)
Ghana's Fuse ODG Beats Wizkid To Win Best African Act At 2013 MOBO Awards / Azonto Remix- Fuse ODG Ft. Elephant Man / Ghanaian Rapper D-black Drops A Music Video With Cstrapz (2) (3) (4)
| Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Aksonman: 12:11pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/19/turn-down-band-aid-bob-geldof-africa-fuse-odg?commentpage=1 Why I had to turn down Band Aid-FuseODG Saying no to Bob Geldof is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make this year. However, seeing what looked like the corpse of an African woman being carried out of her home on primetime TV when the video was premiered on X Factor crystallised my concerns about this strategy to combat the Ebola crisis. For me it is ultimately flawed. A week before the recording of Band Aid 30, I received a call from Geldof asking if I would take part. I was honoured to be asked and, connecting with his passion for wanting to tackle the Ebola crisis, said I wanted to offer my support. But I also had my concerns. I was sceptical because of the lyrics and the videos of the previous charity singles, and I worried that this would play into the constant negative portrayal of the continent of Africa in the west. Geldof and I spoke at length about this and he agreed with me on many levels, assuring me that we could use it as an opportunity to showcase the positives of Africa. However, on receiving the proposed lyrics on Thursday – two days before the recording was due to take place in London – I was shocked and appalled by their content. The message of the Band Aid 30 song absolutely did not reflect what Africa is truly about and I started to question whether this was something I wanted to be a part of. I pointed out to Geldof the lyrics I did not agree with, such as the lines “Where a kiss of love can kill you and there’s death in every tear”, and “There is no peace and joy in west Africa this Christmas”. For the past four years I have gone to Ghana at Christmas for the sole purpose of peace and joy. So for me to sing these lyrics would simply be a lie. In truth, my objection to the project goes beyond the offensive lyrics. 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. In fact, seven out of 10 of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa. Let me be clear, I’m not disregarding the fact that Ebola is happening and that people need help. Since the start of the outbreak in March it has killed more than 5,000 people. But every human being deserves dignity in their suffering and the images flashed on our screens remove any remnants of this from Ebola sufferers, many in their dying moments, when they should have it the most. I am not disputing Band Aid’s good intentions. But the shock-factor strategy they have used since the 1980s has sparked a whole wave of “good cause” organisations that have been irresponsible with regard to the images shown to the rest of the world. It’s been totally one-sided. That’s understandable in part, as they wouldn’t raise much money if they showed the affluence, wealth, and happy lifestyles that exist in the continent. But in the process of doing all this “good work” a huge imbalance has been created. That image of poverty and famine is extremely powerful psychologically. With decades of such imagery being pumped out, the average westerner is likely to donate £2 a month or buy a charity single that gives them a nice warm fuzzy feeling; but they are much less likely to want to go on holiday to, or invest in, Africa. If you are reading this and haven’t been to Africa, ask yourself why. This is New Africa (Tina) is a movement empowering people to shed a positive light on Africa. I was born in Tooting, south London, and was taken as an infant to Ghana. Returning to London at the age of 11, being African was not something to be proud of because of all the negative connotations it conjured up, and it drove me to be almost ashamed of who I was. Anyone who has experienced Africa in a positive way is a citizen of the New Africa and needs to play their part in challenging perceptions. I’m sharing my experience through my music – and if I can make chart-topping music that celebrates Africa then surely Band Aid and its extensive network can do the same. I’ve performed in two of the three countries currently hit by the Ebola crisis, where I have friends and loyal fans, and will be donating the proceeds from my next single to help tackle this issue. I hope from the bottom of my heart that the disease can be eradicated in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. But though shock tactics and negative images may raise money in the short term, the long-term damage will take far longer to heal. 6 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Nobody: 1:32pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Fuse has just set himself apart from the rest. Yes, I love a good dance to Antenna, but I'm more sold on his morals. Brilliant, diplomatic (and very PC) refusal  Edit; MODs, this is front page matter. Who do I call... Who is a Mod nowadays  Mynd44, Adaobi123, Captain Planet... can someone suggest this for FP? 1 Like |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by BuddhaPalm(m): 1:43pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Respect. |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Nobody: 2:47pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Nice. Unlike our own Iceprince allowing AKA to make fun of the bringbackourgirls campaign. "Look how I put my city on the world map Its gon take more than goodluck to bring your girl back Bleep the hash tag , Bleep a retweet" I respect ODG for this. |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by GuyFawkes: 2:50pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
This is a true African. RESPECT. I bet many African artists would have been elated to answer Bob Geldof's call to join another sing-along emphasising Africa as a charity case. |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Nobody: 2:57pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
This dude just earned my respect |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by destante(f): 4:29pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Reyginus:Lol. He actually said that? hilarious. I think he didn't mean to ridicule the campaign sha. |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Nobody: 4:49pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
destante:Yes. I think so too. And Ice too must have taught it was a great line. Talk about a rapper not understanding even the punch he placed in a line. |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by 190: 9:42am On Nov 24, 2014 |
How in Gods name did i stalk flytefalls down to this thread |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Nobody: 9:44am On Nov 24, 2014 |
190:Because you miss me but fear the restraining order  |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by 190: 9:51am On Nov 24, 2014 |
Flytefalls:  I aint restrained im not just social anymore [size=3pt]maybe because im now partly like u/carribean [/size] |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by Nobody: 9:59am On Nov 24, 2014 |
190:Don't lie, my sister has you under lock down, abi?  |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by 190: 10:08am On Nov 24, 2014 |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by RealGoReala: 10:24pm On Nov 24, 2014 |
i do not agree dat di guy did it for noble reasons, but just to grab attention. I don't think we have a new Africa yet, but we need one soon |
| Re: Why Ghanaian Rapper Fuse ODG Turned Down Geldof's Ebola Song. by bobkezel(m): 2:51pm On Nov 25, 2014 |
Wisdom this is... |
(1) (Reply)
Who Is Your Best Nigerian Rock Musician? / MC Galaxy – Go Gaga (remix) Ft. Stonebwoy, Cynthia Morgan & DJ Jimmy Jatt / Picture: Wizkid Performs Shirtless On Stage
(Go Up)
| Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 25 |