Ethiopians reflect on the nuanced legacy of Band Aid
- Yared Markos, a London cafe owner, witnessed significant aid and supplies arrive in Ethiopia after the release of Band Aid.
- The song brought attention to the famine, yet its legacy is viewed with mixed feelings within the Habesha community.
- Efforts are underway to reshape the perception of Ethiopia and Eritrea in the UK, highlighting their culture and growth.
In the 1980s, Ethiopia experienced a devastating famine that greatly affected its population. Amid this crisis, the charity single Band Aid was released, bringing international attention and aid to the country. Yared Markos, a cafe owner in London, remembers the influx of supplies like biscuits and sweets arriving in Addis Ababa after the song's release, despite the country not needing such items. While many in the UK’s Habesha community initially viewed the song positively for prompting aid, opinions differ as they confront stereotypes that have persisted since the 1980s. Today, there is a growing effort within the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities in the UK to redefine their image and emphasize their rich culture and cuisine, showcasing a more complex narrative than the one presented during the famine.