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Vuvuzela

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A red vuvuzela
A black and yellow striped vuvuzela
A 2010 FIFA World Cup crowd blowing vuvuzelas
Vuvuzela note
A standard short 58 cm (1.90 ft) vuvuzela plays a single B♭ note.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The vuvuzela ( /vuːvuːˈzɛlə/), also known as lepatata (its Tswana name), or a Stadium Horn, is typically a 65 cm (2.13 ft) plastic blowing horn that produces a loud, distinctive monotone note, typically around B♭3[1] (the B♭ below middle C).[2] A similar instrument, known as the corneta, is used in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Many types of vuvuzela, made by several manufacturers, may produce varying intensity and frequency outputs.[3] The intensity of these outputs depends on the blowing technique and pressure exerted.[3]

Traditionally made and inspired from a kudu horn, the vuvuzela was used to summon distant villagers to attend community gatherings.[4][dubious – discuss] The vuvuzela is most used at soccer matches in South Africa,[5] and it has become a symbol of South African soccer as the stadiums are filled with its loud and raucous sound that reflects the exhilaration of supporters.[4] The intensity of the sound caught the attention of the global soccer community during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in anticipation of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[4]

The vuvuzela has been the subject of controversy. Its high sound pressure levels at close range can lead to permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after exposure,[6] with a sound pressure of 120 dB(A) (the threshold of pain) at 1 metre (3.3 ft) from the horn opening.[4]

Origin

The origin of the term vuvuzela is disputed but was first used in South Africa from the Zulu language or Nguni dialect meaning to make a vuvu sound (directly translated: vuvu-ing).[citation needed] Controversies over the invention arose in early 2010. South African Kaizer Chiefs fan Freddie "Saddam" Maake claimed the invention of the vuvuzela by fabricating an aluminium version in 1965 from a bicycle horn and has photographic evidence of himself holding the aluminium vuvuzela in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.[7] He also claimed to have coined "vuvuzela" from the Zulu for "welcome", "unite" and "celebration."[8] Plastics factory Masincedane Sport popularised the ubiquitous plastic vuvuzela commonly heard at South African football games in 2002,[9] and the Nazareth Baptist Church claimed the vuvuzela belonged to their church.[10]

Use at international tournaments

The world soccer governing body, FIFA, proposed to ban vuvuzelas from stadiums, as they were seen as potential weapons for hooligans and could be used in ambush marketing. Columnist Jon Qwelane described the instrument as "an instrument from hell".[11] South African soccer authorities argued that the vuvuzela was part of the South African soccer experience.[12] The Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso said, "Those trumpets? That noise I don't like ... FIFA must ban those things ... it is not nice to have a noise like that".[13] Commentator Farayi Mungazi said, "Banning the vuvuzela would take away the distinctiveness of a South African World Cup ... absolutely essential for an authentic South African footballing experience".[14] Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk remarked, "... it was annoying ... in the stadiums you get used to it but it is still unpleasant".[15] FIFA President Sepp Blatter responded, "we should not try to Europeanise an African World Cup ... that is what African and South Africa football is all about — noise, excitement, dancing, shouting and enjoyment".[15][14] Despite the criticisms, FIFA agreed to permit their use in stadiums during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.[16]

2010 FIFA World Cup

Children blowing vuvuzelas

Marketing

Hyundai constructed the world's largest working vuvuzela as part of a marketing campaign for the World Cup. The 35 metres (115 ft) blue vuvuzela in Cape Town was intended to be used at the beginning of each match; however, it had not yet sounded a note during the World Cup as its volume was a cause of concern to city authorities.[17]

Reception

Although many fans appreciate the exuberance epitomized by the vuvuzela,[18] its near-constant repetition led to many suggestions for limiting its use, muffling its sound, and even an outright ban.[19][20]

Some vuvuzelas carry a safety warning graphic.

Broadcasting organisations experienced difficulties with their presentations: TV and radio audiences often heard only the sound of vuvuzelas.[21][22][23][24] The BBC and ESPN both examined the possibility of filtering the ambient noise while maintaining game commentary.[22][21]

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.[25][26] Other critics remarked that vuvuzelas disrupted team communication and players' concentration during matches.[27][28] Demand for earplugs to protect from hearing loss during the World Cup outstripped supply, with many pharmacies out of stock.[29] One major vuvuzela manufacturer even began selling its own earplugs to spectators.[30]

Audio filtration

Notch filtering, an audio filtration technique, is proposed to reduce the vuvuzela sound in broadcasts and increase clarity of commentary audio. The vuvuzela produces notes at a frequency of approximately 235 Hz and its first partial at 465 Hz.[31] However, this filtration technique affects the clarity of commentary audio. The publication of adaptive filters by universities and organisations address this issue by preserving the amplitude and clarity of the commentators' voices and crowd noise.[32][33][34][35] Such filtration techniques have been adopted by some cable television providers.[36]

Health effects and regulation

The use of vuvuzelas by so many supporters has attracted controversy.

Health concerns

A study by Dr Ruth McNerney of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and colleagues, concluded that the spread of diseases by means of vuvuzelas was possible.[37] McNerney found tiny droplets at the bottom of a vuvuzela that can carry flu and cold germs that are small enough to stay suspended in the air for hours, and can enter into the airways of a person's lungs. The vuvuzelas can infect others on a greater scale than coughing or shouting.

The vuvuzelas have the potential to cause noise-induced hearing loss.[3][4][6][37] Prof James Hall III, Dr Dirk Koekemoer, De Wet Swanepoel and colleagues at the University of Pretoria found that the vuvuzelas can have negative effects on people's eardrums when exposed to the high-intensity sound for a certain amount of time. The vuvuzelas produce an average sound pressure of 113 dB(A) at 2 metres (6.6 ft) from the horn opening.[4] The study finds that subjects should not be exposed to more than 15 minutes per day at an intensity of 100 dB(A).[4] The study assumes that if a single vuvuzela emits a sound that is dangerously loud to subjects within a 2 metre radius, and numerous vuvuzelas are typically blown together for the duration of a match, it may put spectators at a significant risk of hearing loss.[4] Hearing loss experts at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommend that exposure at the 113 dB(A) level not exceed 45 seconds per day. [38] A newer model has a modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume by 20 dB. [39]

Noise levels and bans

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:

Some shopping centres in South Africa banned the use of vuvuzelas.[48][49][50] They have also been banned at the 2010 Baltimore anime convention Otakon, any attendees carrying a vuvuzela may have it confiscated and anyone blowing one could face expulsion form the event.[51] This action was taken in response to the prevalence of the horns at the 2010 Anime Expo based in Los Angeles, which was attended by representatives of Otakon who felt the disruption caused led to discomfort for some of the attendees of Anime Expo which they wished to avoid at the later Baltimore event.[51]

The government of the United Arab Emirates has prohibited the public use of vuvuzelas louder than 100 decibels.[52] It claims that this level could damage the ear, going against the Islamic ruling of "never do or cause any harm."[52]

See also

  • Makarapa - a hand-made hat worn by spectators to show their team support
  • Handy horn - a portable or personal horn similar to the vuvuzela
  • Thundersticks - narrow plastic balloons that are used as promotional noise makers

References

  1. ^ "10 things about the vuvuzela". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. June 15, 2010.
  2. ^ "Trumping the trumpets: how audio engineering helps tone down vuvuzela disruption" (Press release). Queen Mary College University of London. June 18, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c Swanepoel, De Wet; Hall III, James W; Koekemoer, Dirk (2010). "Vuvuzela sound measurements" (PDF). South African Medical Journal. 100 (4). Cape Town, South Africa: 192. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Swanepoel, De Wet; Hall III, James W; Koekemoer, Dirk (2010). "Vuvuzela – good for your team, bad for your ears" (PDF). South African Medical Journal. 100 (4). Cape Town, South Africa: 99–100. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ "V is for Vuvuzela". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  6. ^ a b Swanepoel, D Wet; Hall III, James W (2010). "Football match spectator sound exposure and effect on hearing: A pretest-post-test study". South African Medical Journal. 100 (4). Cape Town, South Africa. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Moyo, Phathisani (January 8, 2010). "Vuvuzela creator blown off?". Mail & Guardian. South Africa.
  8. ^ Maake, Freddie (July 10, 2010). "Experience: I invented the vuvuzela". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited.
  9. ^ Casert, Raf (June 18, 2010). "Vuvuzela innovator cashes in on success at WCup". Associated Press. Yahoo! Inc.
  10. ^ Fisher, Jonah (16 January 2010). "Unholy row over World Cup trumpet". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
  11. ^ Qwelane, Jon (February 7, 2005). "Ban the vuvuzela". News24. South Africa: 24.com.
  12. ^ Makhaye, Chris (July 13, 2008). "Blasts of joy as vuvuzelas unbanned". IOL.
  13. ^ "Ban the noisy vuvuzela, says Alonso". Cape Argus. Cape Argus & Independent Online. June 18, 2009.
  14. ^ a b Mungazi, Farayi (June 19, 2009). "In defence of the vuvuzela". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  15. ^ a b "Dutch coach joins chorus to ban vuvuzela". ESPNsoccernet. Walt Disney Internet Group. Reuters. June 20, 2009. Retrieved June 20, 2009.
  16. ^ "Fifa gives Vuvuzelas thumbs up". News24. South Africa: 24.com. South African Press Association. July 11, 2008.
  17. ^ Hudson, Alexandra (June 18, 2010). "Giant vuvuzela waits for council go-ahead to toot". Thomson Reuters Corporate. Reuters Africa. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  18. ^ CNN Staff Opinion: How I Learned to Love the Vuvuzela
  19. ^ Schy, Steve (June 14, 2010). "Noisy Vuvuzelas Cause Concern at World Cup". Voice of America. Washington, DC, United States of America: Federal Government of the United States. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  20. ^ "Organizers consider silencing vuvuzelas". ESPNsoccernet. Walt Disney Internet Group. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  21. ^ a b "BBC receives 545 vuvuzela complaints over World Cup". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. June 15, 2010. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  22. ^ a b "Host broadcasters to 'filter' noise". ESPNsoccernet. Walt Disney Internet Group. Associated Press. June 15, 2010.
  23. ^ "BBC mulls vuvuzela-free option for irked viewers". Yahoo! Inc. Associated Press. June 15, 2010. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
  24. ^ Valenti, Elio (June 13, 2010). "Buzz off, vuvuzelas!". New York Post. NYP Holdings, Inc.
  25. ^ "World Cup 2010: Organisers will not ban vuvuzelas". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. June 13, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
  26. ^ "World Cup organiser mulls vuvuzela ban". Google. Agence France-Presse. June 13, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
  27. ^ "It is impossible to communicate, it's like being deaf: Messi". The Hindu. Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
  28. ^ "Ronaldo hits out at vuvuzelas". Radio Nederland Wereldomroep. Netherlands National News, Agence France-Presse. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
  29. ^ Chilwane, Luphert (June 11, 2010). "Worried fans right to seek ear plugs, says Phonak". BusinessDay. BDFM Publishers. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  30. ^ "Vuvuzelas unplugged for some". Sport24. South Africa: 24.com. June 11, 2010.
  31. ^ Pash, Adam (June 15, 2010). "How to Silence Vuvuzela Horns in World Cup Broadcasts". Lifehacker. Gawker Media. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
  32. ^ Drury, Jim (June 18, 2010). ""Devuvuzelator" reduces horn's noise" (Video). Reuters. United Kingdom: Thomson Reuters. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  33. ^ "Trumping the trumpets: how audio engineering helps tone down vuvuzela disruption". Centre for Digital Music (Press release). Queen Mary University of London. June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  34. ^ "Prosoniq VuvuX". Prosoniq Products Software GmbH. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  35. ^ Bargmann, Jeff; University of London, Queen Mary. "The Devuvuzelator". Stardock Corporation. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  36. ^ Ballve, Marcelo (June 17, 2010). ""Portuguese cable provider offers vuvuzela muting service for World Cup games"". True/Slant. Forbes.
  37. ^ a b Snyman, Mia (June 10, 2010). "Study: Vuvuzela could spread colds and flu". Google. Associated Press. Retrieved June 11, 2010.
  38. ^ "CDC/NIOSH Science Blog – Vuvuzelas: What's the Buzz? June 2010". NIOSH. cdc.com/niosh. June 2010.
  39. ^ "New vuvuzelas turn down volume". Sport24. South Africa: 24.com. June 14, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  40. ^ "Sports fans in Cardiff spared vuvuzela". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  41. ^ Summers, Chris. "Wimbledon crackdown on vuvuzelas". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  42. ^ Doherty, Elissa (June 17, 2010). "Vuvu gets big no-no from AFL". Herald Sun. News Corporation. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  43. ^ "Vuvuzelas BANNED From Yankee Stadium". The Huffington Post. June 17, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  44. ^ Kristi E. Swartz. "SEC: leave your vuvuzelas at home". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  45. ^ "No Vuvuzelas allowed at UFC card". Associated Press. ESPN. June 30, 2010.
  46. ^ http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0618/1224272793785.html
  47. ^ "No vuvuzelas at RWC 2011". SARugby.com. June 29, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |Publisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ Child, Katharine (June 12, 2010). "No vuvuzelas inside Sandton City". Eyewitness News. Primedia Broadcasting.
  49. ^ Dardagan, Colleen (June 16, 2010). "Shopping mall silences vuvuzela". IOL. South African Press Association.
  50. ^ Fengu, Msindisi (June 18, 2010). "Vuvuzelas get red card in malls". Daily Dispatch Online. Avusa Media Limited.
  51. ^ a b "No Vuvuzelas at Otakon". Anime News Network. 2010-07-14.
  52. ^ a b CNN Wire Staff (July 10, 2010). "Emirates places noise lid on vuvuzelas". CNN. Retrieved July 11, 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vuvuzelas.
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