In-Naħla Katerina: A Song to Celebrate the Maltese Honey Bee

The song In-Naħla Katerina (Katerina the Bee), set for release on 20th May 2025 to coincide with World Bee Day, is the first of three songs that will be released in 2025 as part of a larger initiative to promote environmental awareness and language learning through music. This initiative is made possible through the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), which is managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). As part of the project Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, this lively character will help bring the world of the Maltese Honey Bee to life in schools across the country. Written and composed by Michael Piscopo and performed by Phyllisienne Brincat – the same team behind the beloved song Fonzu l-Fenek – the song introduces young listeners to the Maltese Honey Bee while also supporting early language development. Professor Suzanne Piscopo played a key role in ensuring that the content is pedagogically sound, engaging, and age-appropriate for children.

A Celebration of the Maltese Honey Bee

The Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), an endemic species of Malta, plays a crucial role in pollination and maintaining biodiversity. In-Naħla Katerina brings this small but mighty insect to life, helping children recognise its importance. Through engaging lyrics and a catchy melody, the song paints a vivid picture of the bee’s daily work, from flying from flower to flower to returning to the hive in the evening. By incorporating familiar elements of nature, it allows children to connect with their surroundings and develop a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.

Learning Maltese Through Song

A key feature of In-Naħla Katerina is its ability to support language learning, making it particularly valuable for children aged 0 to 6 years, and therefore mainly suitable for kindergarten and early primary schools. Singing has long been recognised as an effective tool for language acquisition, as it enhances memory retention and pronunciation skills. By introducing simple words for toddlers and more advanced vocabulary for early primary learners, the song provides a structured yet enjoyable way for children to engage with the Maltese language.

Sounds, Rhythm, and Movement

One of the song’s most engaging elements is its playful use of sound, particularly the “Bzz Bzz Bzz” refrain, which mimics the buzzing of a bee. This repetition is not only fun for young children but also helps develop phonemic awareness, an essential skill for early literacy. Additionally, the rhythm and structure make it perfect for movement-based learning. A simple dance can be developed using the lines:

“Bzz Bzz Bzz, she flutters her wings, and those behind her, do the same.”

This section naturally encourages group participation, where children can imitate the bee’s movements by fluttering their arms like wings and following one another in a sequence. This interactive approach helps reinforce the song’s themes while promoting gross motor skills and coordination.

A Visually Engaging Experience

Beyond its musical appeal, In-Naħla Katerina will be accompanied by a visually engaging slideshow video, also produced by Michael Piscopo. Designed with young audiences in mind, the video will feature bright, animated illustrations that depict the Maltese Honey Bee in action, visiting colourful flowers and interacting with nature. These visuals will further enhance comprehension and engagement, making it an ideal tool for teachers, parents, and caregivers who want to introduce young children to Malta’s rich biodiversity.

An Educational and Entertaining Resource

With its combination of music, language learning, movement, and visuals, In-Naħla Katerina is more than just a song—it is an interactive educational resource that can be used in kindergartens, early primary classrooms, and homes. Teachers can incorporate it into thematic lessons on bees and nature, while parents can enjoy singing along with their children to reinforce Maltese vocabulary in a fun and relaxed setting.

As we celebrate World Bee Day 2025, In-Naħla Katerina will serve as a joyful reminder of the importance of bees, the beauty of the Maltese language, and the power of music in early learning.

This project is being coordinated by the founders, Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg.

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Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.