The single, which features R&B beats, features repeated lyrics “We know when it’s christmas” in a children’s choir style, with Fuse ODG’s rap over the top – a direct response to the Band Aid 40 song title, the question: “Do they Know it’s Christmas?”.  The rap style may not be as mainstream as the Band Aid single, but the repetitious lyrics is sure to be memorable for any listener following along with the controversy. 

Fuse ODG, real name Nana Richard Abiona is a Ghanaian-English rapper born and based in London. The 36-year-old has been active since 2012 making music influenced by Afro-beats, reggae, dance and hip hop. His name ‘Fuse’ is said to come from his combination of genres while ‘ODG’ stands for ‘Off Da Ground’. In 2013, his song “Antenna” became his first top ten hit, reaching number 7. His song “Dangerous Love” also reached number 3 in 2014. He is well known as a voice for African people, being of African descent himself. In 2022, he launched an educational gaming app for children called “School of New Africa” to educate others on African history and languages, as well as financial literacy.

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Talking about why he refused the offer to participate in Band Aid, Fuse ODG said, “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.” It’s this view that Fuse ODG explained to Ed Sheeran, and since their comments went public, it has educated several on the other side of the story. This song and music video is a direct response to the Band Aid single, titled “We Know It’s Christmas (Band Aid Reply)”, following Bob Geldof’s recent comments welcoming the debate. Geldof welcomed the debate concerning the Band Aid single, saying it’s fantastic, alluding to the fact that the more people talk about it the more awareness it brings – meaning the single will ultimately be listened to more.

In an interview, Fuse ODG has made it clear that the original Band Aid was “touching” and well-intentioned, saying “It’s been touching seeing the efforts that were put into it initially […] because there was a crisis at the time they needed attending to”. But went on to say the subsequent Band Aid singles has created an identity crisis for Africans, saying that “It took away our collective sense of pride and identity.”

 

 

 

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During an interview on Radio 2, co-founder of Band Aid, Midge Ure, said that this sort of opposition has been thrown at them many times over the past forty years and he understands the aspect of the “white saviour complex” that the charitable work poses. He ultimately concluded that regardless of the debate, the work is still helping those in Africa who need medicines and education. Others like Tony Hadley, who sang on the original Band Aid single, have been more pointed in the criticism of the single, saying “Everybody’s doing their bit to try and support various charities and we were doing our bit, innocently, to support what was happening in Ethiopia… So what do we do? Do we sit back and do nothing?”. There have yet to be any direct public comments on Fuse ODG’s single. 

It’s true to say that the criticism and debate has brought more attention to the Band Aid remake, as well as the charitable history of the organisation. However, Fuse ODG is a recognised voice for Africans and his voice cannot be ignored. It’s important, and always has been, to listen to the voice of the people the issues directly concern – “We Know It’s Christmas” is one way in which the African voice can be represented.

‘Libation‘ is a politically charged track. A stripped back instrumental echoes the Afro sound of Fuse’s hits, but deliberately omits the horns that characterise his traditionally upbeat sound. Lyrically, Fuse addresses issues such as the slave trade. ‘You stole my pride when you took my name//but you can never out my flame‘ the artist defies, with passion.

Fuse took to social media to outline the track’s political nuances. ‘Let’s use this as an opportunity to open up debate and create real change‘, he captioned his YouTube video, ‘do your own research and educate yourself as quickly as possible…people are dying everyday of racism so time is not a luxury‘. It is a powerful statement from Fuse ODG, who has pioneered a commercial wave of Afro-beats throughout his career.

The word ‘Libation‘ relates to a drink poured as an offer to a deity. Therefore, there song’s imagery is innately religious.  The lyric video which accompanies the single adheres to this principle. The background displays a picture of White Jesus, and as the song progresses the painting burns in an open fire. It ties in with the overall meaning of the song, which aims to galvanise people into crumbling the systematic racism that riddles the Western world.

Fuse ODG’s ‘Libation’ is more of a political statement than a single. The bare Afro-beat instrumental foils a war-cry, aimed at racist oppressive structures. Find attached below a clip of the singer educating on the White Jesus imagery that is included in the music video.

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but I am Anti ‘White’ Jesus…my reasoning in the video…watch and let’s do the below coz it’s Action time.. This is For the real ones Only….. This weekend is Emancipation weekend. Marking the Emancipation Act of 1st August 1834. This makes the abolishing of slavery but we are still yet to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery till this day! We need to come together on this issue Spiritually & Mentally. TODAY…I will post a new video of the ‘white Jesus’ burning with a brand new track called “Libation” The song is a prayer and a meditation on freedom that came to me directly from the most high earlier this year before the death of George Floyd. It has given me strength during these difficult times and I hope it can do the same for you! All you need to do is repost the video on your stories. Add your countries Flag so we can stand in solidarity Globally and @ the following: @franciscus (The Pope) @justinwelby (Most Senior Bishop in the Church of England) @thechurchofengland Let’s use this as an opportunity to open up a debate and create real change. I mean real change. Let’s goo Let me see a for the truth Gang Love Always Fuse ODG #NowhiteJesus #KnowJesus #TINA

A post shared by Fuse ODG (@fuseodg) on Aug 2, 2020 at 12:53am PDT