Posted by | Posted in Let's Talk About ... | Posted on 24-11-2011 | comments: 0
The future of the vuvuzela, the plastic horn producing loud monotone note, is not so bright. Part of the South African football experience, the exuberance epitomised by the instrument enjoyed the appreciation of many fans. However, its near-constant repetition led to many suggestions for limiting its use, muffling its sound, and even an outright ban.
Although we can’t call South Africa World Cup ruined, broadcasting organisations experienced difficulties with their presentations. Television and radio audiences often heard only the sound of vuvuzelas. The BBC and ESPN both examined the possibility of filtering the ambient noise while maintaining game commentary.
The vuvuzelas raised health and safety concerns. Competitors believed the incessant noise hampered the ability of the players to get their rest, and degraded the quality of team performance. Other critics remarked that vuvuzelas disrupted team communication and players’ concentration during matches. Demand for earplugs to protect from hearing loss during the World Cup outstripped supply, with many pharmacies out of stock.
Concerns about the constant intensities produced by the vuvuzelas during the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches were raised independently by representatives of international football teams, spectators and sports commentators. The noise levels that were demonstrated during the 2010 FIFA World Cup prompted various sporting organisations to ban the vuvuzela at future events. The anti-vuvuzela international call includes the organisers of the 2012 Olympic Games who are reported to be planning to ban the instrument at the sporting event.
Today you don’t need to call South Africa in order to purchase the vuvuzela. The horn can be found almost everywhere, and contrary to the popular belief, the instrument can produce more than a single note – with special techniques (like with didgeridoo or jug blowing) many different tones and even melodies can be played on it.
