Press Release | Katerina the Honey Bee (Bizz Bizz Bizz) Launched

The song Katerina the Honey Bee (Bizz Bizz Bizz) has just been launched, marking the English adaptation of the much-loved Maltese song In-Naħla Katerina. Building on the success of the original release, this new version continues to promote environmental awareness and support early language development through music, while making its message accessible to a wider, international audience. The production of the song was generously funded by the HSBC Malta Foundation, and it was softly launched on 21 March 2026 to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day during a jointly organised activity.

Written and composed by Michael Piscopo and performed by Phyllisienne Brincat, the song brings the charming character of Katerina to life for young listeners in an engaging and educational way. Professor Suzanne Piscopo ensured that the content remains pedagogically sound, age-appropriate, and aligned with early childhood learning principles. The same creative team is also behind the popular children’s song Fonzu l-Fenek.

Directed and produced by Abner Joe Buttigieg and Dylan Farrugia, the video was also designed and produced by the same team, who are the founders of the Foundation. Through simple, rhythmic lyrics and an upbeat melody, the song introduces children to the Maltese honey bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), highlighting its role in pollination, biodiversity, and food production.

Beyond its environmental message, Katerina the Honey Bee (Bizz Bizz Bizz) serves as an effective tool for early language acquisition. Designed for children aged 0 to 6 years, the song combines accessible vocabulary with slightly more advanced phrasing to support a range of developmental stages. Its repetitive structure and catchy “Bizz Bizz Bizz” refrain encourage participation while strengthening phonemic awareness, memory retention, and pronunciation, key foundations for early literacy.

With its combination of storytelling, rhythm, and educational value, Katerina the Honey Bee (Bizz Bizz Bizz) continues the mission of inspiring young audiences to appreciate and protect Malta’s native bee, ensuring that Katerina’s message resonates with children both locally and beyond.

Production Credits
Written by: Michael Piscopo
Music by: Michael Piscopo
Musical Arrangement by: Phyllisienne Brincat
Performed by: Phyllisienne Brincat and her choir
Directed and Produced by: Abner Joe Buttigieg and Dylan Farrugia
Recorded at: Sweet Notes Studio, Il-Qawra (Malta)
Sponsored by: HSBC Malta Foundation

© 2026 Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee

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KATERINA THE HONEY BEE

(BIZZ BIZZ BIZZ)

There is a pretty creature
Who loves the open air
Her name is Katerina
You can see her everywhere
She is the Maltese Honey Bee
And likes to fly around
On all her favourite flowers
And makes a lovely sound
Lovely sound

Bizz Bizz Bizz
The bees are buzzing
Around the garden
Happily flying
Bizz Bizz Bizz
Now and tomorrow
And those who follow
Will do the same

Bizz Bizz Bizz
The bees are buzzing
Over the flowers
Happily flying
Bizz Bizz Bizz
Now and tomorrow
And those who follow
Will do the same

The lovely Katerina
The Maltese Honey Bee
Together with her sisters
Form a happy family
They visit every flower
Collecting all they need
To make their yummy honey
That’s very good indeed
Good indeed

Bizz Bizz Bizz
The bees are buzzing
Around the garden
Happily flying
Bizz Bizz Bizz
Now and tomorrow
And those who follow
Will do the same

Bizz Bizz Bizz
The bees are buzzing
Over the flowers
Happily flying
Bizz Bizz Bizz
Now and tomorrow
And those who follow
Will do the same

And when the day is over
And there is no more sun
The bees return to meet their Queen
And tell her all they’ve done
They dance around the beehive
So other bees will know
Which are the nicest flowers
And where they need to go
To and fro

Instrumental (with sound of bees)

The lovely Katerina
Will be our friend forever
If we all work together
To keep her always buzzing, you and me
You and me

Bizz Bizz Bizz
The bees are buzzing
Around the garden
Happily flying
Bizz Bizz Bizz
Now and tomorrow
And those who follow
Will do the same

Bizz Bizz Bizz
The bees are buzzing
Over the flowers
Happily flying
Bizz Bizz Bizz
Now and tomorrow
And those who follow
Will do the same

And those who follow
Will do the same
And those who follow
Will do the same

(sound of bees)

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