Final Song Recorded to Celebrate Malta’s National Species

The third and final song in the educational trilogy celebrating Malta’s endemic honey bee has just been recorded. Titled In-Naħla u Sħabha (L-Għanja tal-Ispeċi Nazzjonali), which translates to The Bee and Her Friends (The Song of the National Species), the song is set for public release on 24th September 2025. This joyful, child-friendly track concludes the project Discovering the Maltese Honey Bee: Education Through Songs and Rhymes, an initiative designed to promote environmental awareness and national identity among young children through music, language, and visuals. The project is funded through the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and financed by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). The production of the accompanying video has been made possible through the generous support of the HSBC Malta Foundation.

This release carries added significance, as it marks the first anniversary of the Maltese Honey Bee’s official recognition as Malta’s National Insect—an achievement championed by the project’s coordinators, Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg. Following the success of In-Naħla Katerina and Festin Għad-Dakkara, this third instalment builds on the themes of nature, biodiversity, and environmental care while expanding the focus to include all six of Malta’s National Species. The song was written and composed by Michael Piscopo, with educational guidance by Professor Suzanne Piscopo, and is performed by Claire Marie Busuttil, with Phyllisienne Brincat, the singer of the first song in the trilogy, acting as a backing vocalist. Aimed at children aged 5 to 8, it is an ideal resource for early primary school education.

Musical Style with a Maltese Twist

Recorded at Sweet Notes Recording Studio in Qawra, the song introduces a more modern musical style while remaining true to the trilogy’s distinctive sound. The arrangement is influenced by ska and reggae, with prominent brass instrumentation that gives the song an upbeat and lively character. At the same time, it preserves continuity with previous songs through the use of familiar elements, such as the accordion, which adds a sweet and playful touch. The inclusion of classical guitar at the beginning and end lends a traditional flavour to the piece, making the overall arrangement feel distinctly Maltese.

Meet the Bee’s Friends

While the trilogy’s first song introduced children to Apis mellifera ruttneri, the Maltese Honey Bee, In-Naħla u Sħabha broadens the scope by introducing five additional national species of Malta. Through the playful narration of Katerina the Bee, children meet the Mediterranean Killifish (il-Bużaqq), the Blue Rock-Thrush (il-Merill), the Maltese Rock-Centaury (Widnet il-Baħar), the Maltese Freshwater Crab (il-Qabru), and the Sandarac Gum Tree (is-Siġra tal-Għargħar). Each verse paints a vivid picture of the species’ natural habitats and roles within Malta’s ecosystem, helping young listeners develop a stronger connection with the local environment and a deeper appreciation of its biodiversity.

A Tool for Language and Environmental Education

The lyrics of the song are crafted with care to be both educational and developmentally appropriate. Written in simple yet expressive Maltese, they convey important environmental values in a format that is accessible and engaging for young children. Repetition and rhythm are used to support comprehension and language development. One line, “Nieħdu ħsieb l-ambjent, fejn immorru ma nħammġux,” (Let us care for the environment; wherever we go, let us not litter), encourages children to reflect on their own responsibility towards nature. The song serves not only as an environmental learning tool but also as a valuable aid for children learning Maltese, whether as their first or second language.

Bringing the Message to Life

A visually rich slideshow video will accompany the song, helping to reinforce its educational messages. Produced by Michael Piscopo, the video features colourful illustrations of each national species and their natural surroundings. These visuals provide added support for visual learners and allow teachers, parents, and children to explore the song’s themes further through discussion and observation.

Celebrating Nature and Identity

As we mark the first anniversary of the Maltese Honey Bee’s national recognition, this final song in the trilogy celebrates the beauty and diversity of Malta’s natural world. It reminds us that every species has its role and that every child has the power to protect the environment. On 24th September 2025, let us sing together in honour of Katerina, her friends, and the precious natural heritage of the Maltese Islands.

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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). The production of the accompanying video has been made possible through the generous support of the HSBC Malta Foundation. This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS and the HSBC Malta Foundation cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.