The Horn That Divided the World Cup

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa introduced the world to the vuvuzela, a plastic horn that produced a constant buzzing drone throughout matches. Loved by some as a symbol of South African football culture, hated by broadcasters and players for its deafening monotone, the vuvuzela sparked a global debate about tradition, noise, and the commercialization of the game. 99% Invisible explores the design of this simple instrument, how it came to dominate the tournament, and the cultural tensions it amplified. The horn's story is a case study in how a mundane object can transform the sensory experience of a mass event, leaving a sonic legacy that still defines the World Cup's soundscape.