The call of the vuvuzelas is a time-honored tradition for South Africa. But, the long, plastic horns that resemble a trumpet have become a nuisance to the World Cup as players and fans from countries around the world want them banned. The constant beehive drone of the vuvuzelas have ruined the allure of the international event, drowning out most of the “Oohs,” “Ahhs,” songs and chants that enhance the experience of watching the games.

From my perspective, you can’t even watch the games on television without hearing the vuvuzelas. The announcers struggle to speak over them. Even players and coaches have complained that they can’t concentrate and it makes communication difficult. South Africa’s star striker Steven Pienaar admitted that even the host team was deafened by the drone during a friendly against Colombia. When World Cup chief organizer Danny Jordaan left the door open to a vuvuzela ban in a BBC report, the debate heated up.

But, the vuvuzelas are a music tradition of the country, which is enough of a reason for the World Cup local organizing committee (LOC) to keep them around. In a recent press conference at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, LOC spokesman Rich Mkhondo said, “Vuvuzelas are here to stay and will never be banned.” He said its history is ingrained in South Africa and requested for the guests to embrace their culture and the way they celebrate.

Meanwhile, fans are tossing down aspirin to get through the games and fear they could go deaf. Some spectators are complaining that the vuvuzelas are drowning out their chants and singing, which is a highly-regarded tradition no matter where the World Cup is played. However, Cape Town-based Masincedane Sports has sold 1.5 million vuvuzelas in Europe, home to the horn’s fiercest critics. At home, the company has sold 800,000 units. It looks like the annoying horns are here to stay.

Vuvuzelas to be banned: Yes 16/1 at William Hill