The Buzzing Sound Behind The FIFA World Cup Games

The first game I streamed online was Mexico vs South Africa. The game was great but there was annoying bee-like sound throughout the entire game: Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Bzzzzz, Bzz. It’s enough to drive you crazy after 90 minutes of game time. So what is it, anyway?

That buzz is the sound coming out of the Vuvuzela, a plastic horn blown by South African fans. This “instrument” is the result of a failed toy imported by the US that’s been around for about 10 years. The vuvuzela is not banned as long as it’s shorter than one meter. It emits 127 decibels which is louder than a lawnmower or chainsaw. I can just imagine the ever lasting buzzing sound in fans ears following a game.

Although the vuvuzela is annoying for tv spectators, it’s also cumbersome for athletes. Part of soccer strategy is to communicate on the field. But with the sound of the vuvuzela’s in the stadium’s, communication between team players has become difficult. This is forcing players to find creative ways of communication on the field. The South African have a real advantage on the field because of the annoying sounds driving everyone absolutely crazy!