Work on Second Song Well Underway as First Release Captures Hearts on World Bee Day

Following the successful release of In-Naħla Katerina on 20th May—World Bee Day, the creative team behind the Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes project is thrilled to announce that work on the second song is now well underway. The project, which uses music, language, and visuals to promote awareness about the endemic Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) and its role in local biodiversity, continues to gain momentum, with the next release scheduled to coincide with the start of Pollinator Week on 16th June 2025.

The first song, In-Naħla Katerina, captured the hearts of young audiences and educators alike. Released in both digital audio and video formats, it introduced children aged 0 to 6 to the friendly bee mascot Katerina and her vital role in pollination. Through playful lyrics, bright visuals, and catchy melodies, the song delivered an important environmental message in a way that is both age-appropriate and culturally resonant. The positive feedback from parents, teachers, and NGOs confirmed that this innovative educational approach is both timely and effective.

Now, attention turns to the second instalment in the trilogy: Festin Għad-Dakkara (A Feast for Pollinators), designed specifically for children aged 7 to 10. While In-Naħla Katerina focused on introducing the Maltese Honey Bee, this second song broadens the scope to explore the interconnected world of pollinators and flowering plants. Through an imaginative and linguistically rich story, Festin Għad-Dakkara highlights the beauty and importance of native pollinators, encouraging children to observe and appreciate the ecosystems around them.

The lyrics for Festin Għad-Dakkara have been written by Rita Pace, with music composed by Augusto Cardinali. The song will be performed by Christabelle Scerri, whose vibrant voice will bring to life the magic of Malta’s natural world. The video accompanying the song is being produced by Michael Piscopo, who also directed the much-loved In-Naħla Katerina video. Michael’s visual storytelling, paired with his signature cartoon-style illustrations, adds an extra layer of charm and engagement to the songs.

The team behind the project, coordinated by Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg, is committed to blending education and creativity in service of a larger environmental mission. Supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), and the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV), the project leverages music, storytelling, and visual media to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious citizens.

Building on the success of the first song, Festin Għad-Dakkara continues the journey of awareness-raising through original content rooted in Maltese culture and ecology. With the Maltese Honey Bee now officially recognised as Malta’s National Insect—a designation achieved in September 2024—the project is more relevant than ever. It not only celebrates the national insect, but also helps children understand the importance of biodiversity and their role in protecting it.

Beyond the songs themselves, the project includes school outreach, social media engagement, and the use of the beloved bee mascot, In-Naħla Katerina, in various educational materials and visits. This integrated approach helps reinforce key messages and brings the story of pollinators to life in classrooms and communities across Malta.

As Festin Għad-Dakkara nears completion, anticipation is growing for its release. If In-Naħla Katerina is any indication, this second song promises to be another memorable and meaningful step forward in the project’s mission to nurture curiosity, love of nature, and environmental responsibility among Malta’s youngest citizens.

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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.