Emeli Sandé has reached out to fans and defended her decision to take part in the Band Aid 30 charity single this year. The Next To Me singer explained that while some of the lyrics may have caused offence and controversy among listeners, the project came from "a place of pure and respectful intent." Sharing her thoughts in a lengthy post on Twitter, Emeli, 27, first described how her lyrical suggestions had been disregarded. "Yes, I agree the lyric needed changing," she wrote. "In fact I feel a whole new song is required. Angelique Kidjo and I made and sang our own edits. Unfortunately, none of these made the final cut."
© Photo: Getty ImagesEmeli Sandé revealed that her lyrical edit hadn't made the cut
While some of the lines of the new song had been changed to reflect the Ebola outbreak, various critics claimed the charity single was offensive and reinforced negative stereotypes of Africa. "I am so proud of my Zambian heritage. No offence or disrespect to the beautiful and prosperous continent was ever intended," added Emeli. She went on: "I apologise if the lyrics of the song have caused offence. I wish the changes had been kept but that is out of my control. The sole objective is to raise awareness and money to provide medical aid to those suffering the Ebola outbreak, which is being worsened and amplified by poverty."
© Photo: Getty ImagesEmeli Sandé backed Sir Bob Geldof, saying his intention was 'pure and respectful'
After its release last week live on television on The X Factor, the song instantly shot up in the charts and became the fastest selling single of 2014. Sir Bob Geldof, who cofounded charity Band Aid in 1984, also appeared on Simon Cowell's show to plead with people to buy the single.
