Emeli Sandé has defended her decision to take part in the Band Aid 30 charity single, saying that the project came from "a place of pure and respectful intent."
The 27-year-old Scottish singer, who is of Zambian heritage, posted a lengthy message to her 1.2 million followers on Twitter yesterday defending the song against criticism from charities who found some of the lyric changes offensive.
"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."
Band Aid 30's updated version of Do They Know It's Christmas? was released last Sunday to raise money in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in west Africa but critics claim the song is 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," Emeli said.
"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."
I've been having so many discussions about this all week. Here are my thoughts on the band aid single... pic.twitter.com/djeYgT9elF
— Emeli Sandé (@emelisande) November 22, 2014