Trumpet Cup
vuvuzela makes the sound of world cup louder
A vuvuzela is a brightly-coloured plastic trumpet, usually about a metre long, which is commonly blown by fans at
football matches in South Africa. Playing the vuvuzela requires a practiced combination of lip and lung action to
produce an extremely loud, monotonous sound, a bit like a foghorn.
The vuvuzela is said to be based on the Kudu horn, a tribal instrument used to summon villagers to meetings.
Originally made of tin, the vuvuzela rose to popularity in South Africa at football matches in the late 1990s. Its
fate was sealed in 2001, when South-African-based company Masincedane Sport began to mass-produce a plastic
version, thereby making it essential kit for football supporters across the country.
The origin of the word vuvuzela is uncertain. Some argue that it originates from the Zulu for ‘making a loud
noise’. Others maintain it relates to township slang for the word ‘shower’, because it ‘showers people with music’.
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 extensive exposure. A study found the maximum sound output was
120 dB(A) (the threshold of pain) at one meter from the bell. In response to the controversy, a new model has a
modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume by 20 dB.
permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after extensive exposure. A study found the maximum sound output was
120 dB(A) (the threshold of pain) at one meter from the bell. In response to the controversy, a new model has a
modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume by 20 dB.
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MHT146 – Trumpet Copper Cup Mute