"A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed," he said, referencing criticisms of the way Africa is portrayed in the charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Sheeran sang alongside Coldplay, Sinead O'Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction and Rita Ora on Band Aid 30 in 2014. A new mix, released next week, blends his vocals with those of Sting from the original 1984 version of the charity song.

Ed Sheeran is unhappy his vocals have been used on a Band Aid 40th anniversary single, suggesting the initiative perpetuates “damaging stereotypes” of Africa. The singer performed on a 2014 version of Do They Know It’s Christmas?