RyanWeiss
"It's Vuvuzela Time!!!"
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A blowing horn commonly blown by fans at soccer (football) matches in South Africa.
< read all 9 reviewsIt's Vuvuzela Time!!!
-
Jun 9, 2010
- by RyanWeiss
- posted in FIFA World Cup 2010: South Africa
Rating:
Now that the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa is here I thought I'd share my opinion on the controversial horn that the South African Soccer fans blow at all the matches, the Vuvuzela.
+5
As you know, the Vuvuzela is a long horn that when blown right can emit a loud sounds that some find... obnoxious. In fact after the Confederations Cup in South Africa last summer, FIFA had even talked about banning the Vuvuzela. FIFA decided not to place the ban because they realized the Vuvuzela was cultural instrument that the locals uses to show support for their team. A similar situation happened with cow bells in Switzerland during the Euro Cup 2008, where the sound was over baring for not only the players, but the stations broadcasting the games as well.
To get the full experience of the Vuvuzela I thought I'd start you off with this:
(Make sure you turn your speakers up high for the full Vuvuzela experience)
So what is "so bad" about the Vuvuzela? Well... other than the fact that your ears are probably bleeding right now, I see no problem with them. It's a cultural thing that yes, some of us might not understand or like, but if a South African came to the US and went to baseball game, he or she might be annoyed with some old lady making sounds on a organ after ever strike out.
I think the Vuvuzela is great and to be honest with you it's not much different than yelling really loud when the opposing football team is in a huddle, or yelling "Hey batter batter!". Infact, I am somewhat jealous that we don't have Vuvuzelas or a Vuvuzela type instrument at all sporting events here in the states. Imagine how funny it would be at the Masters!
Here's a clip from the Mike and Mike show on how they felt about the Vuvuzelas:
Tons of countries around the world have their own way of making noise for their soccer team. Most supporters sing songs and chants, back and forth with the opposing teams supporters. The fans who end up winning are the ones who are the loudest and who can last the entire 90 minutes singing and yelling. In the South Africans' case, I think they've won. A way to not only bring together the fans, but a way to let their team (Bafana Bafana) know, that they will support them the entire 90 minutes.
I've been to countless soccer games, between supporting 1. FC Köln while living in Germany, or going to tons of Los Angeles Galaxy games and the biggest buzz kill is when the crowd is quiet. This means the crowd is probably not engaged and may be bored. Being able to join in and blow a Vuvuzela not only keeps the crowd awake, but lets the players know you as a fan are there. I'm a strong believer in the fans being a major role in they way a game plays out. I think South Africa has a huge advantage against its opponents in this World Cup because of the Vuvuzela.
My advice for you this World Cup... embrace the Vuvuzela. You will hear them at every game that is on TV and the best part about it is after the World Cup, when you hear a loud somewhat annoying horn, you will think about soccer and an awesome game you watched.
Here's another way South Africa has embraced the Vuvuzela:
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aunnyd
June 17, 2010
Ryan, you're the best! All of my Vuvuzela questions. Wait, what? ;) Excellent review!!
RyanWeiss
June 17, 2010
HAHA. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I figured I get involved in the controversy.
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haroldcabezas
June 14, 2010
It's Vuvuzela Time!! I agree. How dare we complain when we are inundated with idiotic songs (which I enjoy) during all US sports, especially those in arenas. Enjoy it, it's only one month. ¡Viva El Mundial!
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Bethany_K
June 14, 2010
Great review! The videos you added here really give some different perspectives of the Vuvuzela in action and in pop culture. Though the noise is a bit irritating, I like the cultural dimension it adds to the game too. Very cool!
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devora
June 10, 2010
I had no idea that these things existed till I read your review! They look neat and I understand that it's a cultural thing, but I'm with Mike & Mike on the "droning" sound... Not sure I wanna sit through that for that long. But it works well in that rap video :P Thanks for sharing, Ryan!
RyanWeiss
June 10, 2010
Well you better get used to it if you're going to watch any games! That's all you'll hear HAHA I cant wait!!!
devora
June 10, 2010
I read this article to prepare myself for when I discuss this with you -- oh wait, did I just say that out loud? ;P
RyanWeiss
June 10, 2010
HAHA nice! I expect lots of reviews coming from you in the FIFA World Cup Community!
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jrjohnson
June 10, 2010
great review Ryan.
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1
More Vuvuzela reviews
As annoying as the guy who bangs the drums incessantly at the Cleveland Indians game is, this "bee drone" noise is like having your teeth drilled at the dentist. I look at the "fans" that are blowing these things and they look like mindless robots that are paying absolutely no attention to the game. When people pass through security checkpoints at these games, why don't the security people confiscate these annoying devices. … more
Comments (6)
Compliments (24)
Quick Tip by kaelix.
July 12, 2010
A wonderfully loud and annoying sound to show your excitement! I watched the final game on a jumbotron at a bar's block party. There were a handful of vuvuzelas, several people with a vuvuzela phone app, and me wishing I hadn't broke the one I got from a parade when I was 5 by pretending it was a sword.
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Compliment
Quick Tip by trailblazer.
July 09, 2010
Don't think that the Vuvuzela is only useful for futbol matches. A co-worker brought his bright green one to our championship bocce ball match last week. He was fan of the day for sure!
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Compliment
I don't know what I like more... the constant B Flat that echoes at all of the South Africa World Cup games or the fact that every European I've talked to thinks the Vuvuzela is the worse thing ever created (besides George Bush). Needless to say, many Euro's take themselves way too seriously.
Comments (1)
Compliment
I don't mind 'em, but I know a few non-soccer fans who heard them during the Confed Cup and were very unhappy with the noises coming from the TV.
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Compliment
i was at Game 6 of the World Series in Anaheim when the Rally Monkey was at the top of his game and the use of Thunder Sticks was at an all time high. It was so loud, just thinking about it gives me a headache again. I can only imagine that South African horn is significantly louder than Thunder Sticks. I hope it helps the South Africa against Mexico this Friday and throughout the World Cup. I always like to root for the underdog.
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Compliment
woah! sounds like swarming bees when they all get going at once. that'll be intense for the players!!
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Compliment
Are you ready for the World Cup? Did you buy your Vuvuzela yet? Hands down one for the best "instruments" a soccer fan can get his hands on!
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Compliment
About the reviewer
Ryan Weiss (RyanWeiss)
Ranked #1
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Follow Me On Twitter: @RyanWeiss Read My Blog:Virtual Ryan Born and raised in So Cal. Go Dodgers!!! I went to LMU and studied Business Admin/Marketing. I love Soccer … more
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About this topic
A Vuvuzela is a blowing horn, approximately one meter in length, commonly blown by fans at football matches in South Africa. They require some lip and lung strength to blow and emit a loud monotone like a foghorn or an elephant. Vuvuzelas have been controversial within the world of soccer because they can be distracting to players and coaches, and may also damage hearing.
Made originally out of tin, the vuvuzela became popular in South Africa in the 1990s. Well-known Kaizer Chiefs FC fan Freddie "Saddam" Maake claims to have invented the vuvuzela by adapting an aluminum version as early as 1965 from a bicycle horn after removing the black rubber to blow with his mouth. People would blow on a kudu horn to call villagers to a meeting. Adding to the appeal is South African folklore that "A baboon is killed by a lot of noise." During the last quarter of a match, supporters blow vuvuzelas frantically in an attempt to "kill off" their opponents.
Other possible spellings could include: vuvuzella, voovoozela, vuvusela, vuvusella, vuvu zella, vava zela, voo voo zela.
Sports, Soccer, Football, Musical Instruments, World Cup 2010, South Africa, Instruments, Noise, Fifa 2010 South Africa, Sports Fans, Futbol, Horns, Fifa World Cup
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