The Band Aid 30 remake of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ has been the subject of much debate since its recording over the weekend.
Indeed, for all the praise showered on the 2014 version of the track (which was first released in 1984), there has also been many who’ve branded it unnecessary and even culturally insensitive.
However, despite the back and forth, sales of the charity single (which aims to raise money for the Ebola relief effort in Africa) have proven phenomenal.
More on the success of the Rita Ora, One Direction, Emeli Sande, Sam Smith, and Bono fronted track below…
According to Official Charts, the Bob Geldof production, which went on sale yesterday, has sold a whopping 201,000 copies in just 24 hours.
The feat sees the track, in the space of one day, become the fastest selling single of the year in the UK.
Interestingly, it also means the the 2014 incarnation of the song slightly bests the out-of-the-gate launch of the 1984 original, which sold an estimated 200,000 copies within its initial two days on sale. The 20th anniversary re-issue, released in 2004, shifted 297,000 units first week.
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Granted we wholly see where some folk’s complaints stem from (see: the track’s ethnocentric depiction of Africa), the sentiment of the campaign feels to be in the right place. As such, kudos.
It’s not like anyone bought the song to just hear Rita’s vocals.
Right. Like 0 ppl brought it for her. The only reason it did so well is because one direction’s crazy loyal fans. Thats no shade.. Thats just honest. No one. I mean no one is checking for ora here or in the states. Same as seventinesha.
Aww are you pressed hun?? Why felt the need to name drop Tinashe in it?? Fucken troll
Wow this is huge and Rita ora had the BEST part of the song. I dont understand the hate towards this Rita girl because she is a VERY GOOD singer. Miss Sande also had the best parts
BYE FELICIA!!!
If only the Asian lady said that to her plastic surgeon, then her nose wouldn’t be as nonexistent as her current Billboard chart position.
Lmao they tried To make it like Rit was then only one featured in the song. You tried it
I actually like this song & they all sound good Rita voice actually stared out more to me cuz strength she pushed out….
I’m not from the UK, but as someone of African descent I find this song offensive. Yes those suffering from the Ebola crisis need aid, but they don’t need to be subject to a patronising and outdated song to do so. I would prefer if these celebrities did an Adele and make a donation to charity rather than using this as self-promotion
Glad they’re doing this for ebola. Anyone that hates on this is a f?Cking cu*nt!
im with lolhart on this…
also this is nothing but good for pita whether or not people bought the song for her or not
Lol. They tricked me into believing that she was the only artist singing, and now I find out once again, she’s even more beige and bland than I thought. She doesn’t have the IT factor. She’s just another lessor in this over saturated Beyoncé/Rihanna world we live in. Get over it already.
Ugh shut up… WTF is American tea???