I've been avidly following most of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches since kick-off last Friday and it's great to see Africa's teams holding out against some of the world's finest footballers. If you too have been glued to your seat in front of the telly, you may have noticed a distinct hum around the stadiums that sounds very similar to a swarm of bees protecting their hive. Do not adjust your TV set; it's only the home-grown weapon of the host nation: the infamous vuvuzela.

The very word 'vuvuzela' either warms locals with patriotic pride or makes them cringe in annoyance. Love 'em or hate 'em, the vuvuzela has certainly made its mark on the event by adding a bit of the local flavour to proceedings... (she said while singing along to Shoshaloza at a local pub watching Bafana Bafana take on Mexico.) It would be near blasphemous to show up at a league game in South Africa without one! Personally I enjoy blowing my vuvuzela, and believe me, once you get the hang of it, it becomes addictive. It isn't the easiest thing to master and it amazes me how some can continue blowing it for 90-odd minutes without tiring out.

I found a very frank blog entry via Facebook that is pro-vuvu, but the comments are also interesting in that they provide a balanced perspective. I suggest we embrace the vuvuzela as part of the football fanfare! *duck*

Just to clear up any misconceptions, the catch-word coined by MTN in its 2010 campaign, 'Ayoba', is not an African word or term. This I confirmed with a Xhosa-speaking friend of mine. Check out the Wiki definition.

Well done to West Africa's Ghana on claiming the first African victory! You made us proud!


Keep it Ayoba, Sindy Peters, Africa editor
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