Mind-blowing vuvuzelas

Wahabi and Christopher – trained and proficient craft painters

The vuvuzela, a favourite at South African soccer matches, seems to be constantly criticised. Yet, despite complaints and requests to ban it, the vuvuzela is likely to be a feature at soccer matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

A way for soccer fans to support and encourage their favourite teams – and to create a dramatic atmosphere in the stadium – the instrument is considered an essential part of the South African soccer experience.

Bored with the mass-produced plastic variety, local artist Adam Carnegie decided to launch KELP, a project specialising in custom-crafted, eco-friendly vuvuzelas made from an abundant natural resource: kelp.

“Strandlopers” participating in the project will patrol a stretch of coast, moving kelp to sunny spots to dry. Once the kelp is sufficiently dry, painters and crafters at the PLEK (the KELP studio) will decorate the unique instruments.

A wide variety of vuvuzelas will be created according to the skill level of painters and to fit the budgets of different consumers.

The “Football” range, painted by beginner painters, will feature simple vuvuzelas with team colours painted in bands around their circumference. Beginner painters will also create “Sea Creatures” –kelp vuvuzelas inspired by marine life.

Once painters have gained some experience, they will create “Tribal” and “Animal” vuvuzelas. Tribal vuvuzelas will celebrate global cultures, while vuvuzelas in the “Animal” range will be painted to resemble animals, with a special focus on endangered species.

The top-range vuvuzelas will be inspired by people and “rainbow warriors”. Unique works of art, each of these vuvuzelas will require time and dedication from skilled crafters.

Carnegie hopes the KELP project will “create sustainable employment”. Painters will be encouraged to improve their skills to be able to decorate the most ornate vuvuzelas, which will help beginners to develop their talents.

The environmentally friendly initiative minimises waste and will be actively involved in protecting the marine eco-system. Unlike plastic vuvuzelas, the KELP products are made from a sustainable resource and do not harm the environment.

“Kelpvuvus” are sure to be a feature at soccer matches in 2010. The stunning instruments are expected to be sold at stadiums and are sure to be blown by both local and international soccer fanatics.

For more info on KELP, download a PDF here.

Kelp vuvuzela raises £1 000 for charity

Renowned Stellenbosch winemaker Gary Jordan raised a staggering £25 000 (about R311 000) when he acted as auctioneer for a charity event at his London restaurant on September 21, 2009.

One of the lots, a kelp vuvuzela Gary brought from home, was sold for £800 on the night, with an extra £200 raised by charging the audience £25 each time they wanted to blow it.

Gary had originally brought the kelp vuvuzela to help keep the guests under control during the auction, but people were so taken with the beautiful design that he decided to add it to the auction lots.

“Let’s face it, vuvuzelas are pretty short on the ground in the city of London. It caused a stir!” says Gary. “I’m so pleased I brought a beautiful kelp vuvuzela with me – the plastic ones we take to the soccer matches make the same noise, but I’m not sure they would have caused the same reaction.”

Gary, his wife Kathy and their business partner, Neleen Strauss, opened their restaurant, High Timber, on the banks of the Thames early this year.

The restaurant was chosen by London charity Cosmic to host its annual auction, which raises funds for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.

Emma Kane, a trustee of Cosmic and CEO of Redleaf Communications, recently named Financial Public Relations Company of the Year at the UK’s Growth Company Awards, was bowled over by the vuvuzela.

“I was so upset not to win the bid on the evening,” says Emma. “Neleen [Strauss] very kindly brought me one back from South Africa. It sits on my desk and we blow it in the office every time we win a new client – I absolutely love it.”

News of the famed vuvuzela continues to grow. Strauss was invited to attend the ANC Progressive Business Forum celebrations hosted by party treasurer-general Dr Mathews Phosa at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 29. At the event, she was asked to present a kelp vuvuzela to the new South African High Commissioner to London, Dr Zola Skweyiya, who looked amazed to hear that it had raised more than R12 000 for charity.