It was around 10 years ago, in 2013, that a giant rabbit wearing pink trousers, pink bowtie and a green waistcoat first appeared on the local scene. In a short span of time, Fonzu l-Fenek sang and danced his way into the hearts of Maltese and Gozitan children, and not only. Today, few are those who have not heard of Fonzu l-Fenek, and if you ask people on the street, many will be able to sing the refrain of the Fonzu’s signature song. This is hardly surprising given that, since it was uploaded on YouTube, the video of the song has been played more than one million six hundred thousand times... an average of over 400 times a day.
To find out more about this popular character, we spoke to Suzanne Piscopo – Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta – and her husband Michael Piscopo, who together are the brains and driving force behind Fonzu l-Fenek. The first thing we asked them was...
What was the idea behind the creation of Fonzu l-Fenek?
"It all started as part of a pan-European project in primary schools that I was involved in about twelve years ago," said Suzanne. "The aim of the project was to promote the consumption of healthy food among young children, taking into consideration the Maltese context and using the Maltese language where possible. It was at that time that Michael and I thought it would be ideal if the message were delivered via a character that children could relate to. After we did a survey among primary school students, a sort of small-scale election, Fonzu was chosen as the mascot. From that day on, Fonzu l-Fenek never looked back."
Would you agree that a big portion of the success achieved by Fonzu has to be credited to his popular song?
"Absolutely," said Michael, who is the author and composer of many songs, both for children and adults. "Actually, before the Fonzu song came out, I wrote and recorded "Ħaxix u Frott" (Vegetables and Fruits), with musical arrangement by Mro. Jonathan Abela. This was a kind of anthem for the campaign promoting the value and consumption of a variety of vegtables and fruit, always part of the project that Suzanne mentioned. Some time later, the idea came to me to write a song about the mascot, Fonzu - a song that goes beyond the main theme of healthy food, and covers topics such as the environment, physical activity, reading, sleep and others. The lyrics also introduced Fonzu’s companions Lola n-Nannakola (the ladybird) and Miċu il-Qattus (the cat), who were later joined by Benna l-Baqra (the cow) to form a quartet of inseparable friends."
What do you think was the main reason behind the song's success?
"Well, the catchy melody and the simple lyrics are two ingredients that make the song easy to sing and learn. In addition, Phyllisienne Brincat, who sings the song and who is also responsible for the musical arrangement, has a voice that I find very suitable for children's songs. I liken her a little to Cristina d'Avena, who in the 80s and 90s used to sing the theme song of practically all the cartoon series on Italian TV," continued Michael.
Fonzu also performs in public, correct?
“Yes. The Fonzu mascot has been visiting primary schools for many years now, to educate and entertain the children and their teachers," said Suzanne. "A typical ‘edutainment’ show lasts about three quarters of an hour and includes information and games, and of course, singing and dancing to the popular Fonzu tunes. It is highly interactive and noisy! Suzanne admits with a twinkle in her eye. Besides 'Ħaxix u Frott' and 'Fonzu l-Fenek', other songs that are often played during these shows include 'MiÄ‹u il-Qattus', 'Lola n-Nannakola' and 'Benna l-Baqra', as well as 'Inħobb Naħsel Idejja’ (I Love To Wash My Hands) a short song that Michael wrote during Covid. In the month of December we also include the song 'Ä ej il-Milied' (Christmas is Coming) which has become a seasonal favourite," continued Suzanne. "Apart from school visits, Fonzu also takes part in different public events, most of which are organised by local councils or other entities. At these events, Fonzu is sometimes accompanied by the mascots of the other characters. The goal is always promoting healthy and sustainable eating and lifestyles among children."
If you were to look back over these past ten years, what would you say were some memorable moments or highlights?
"There are several we could mention...," Suzanne told us. "One of them was when the President of the Republic, who at the time was HE Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, visited a school in Melbourne, Australia where the Maltese language is taught. The students, who were mostly children of Maltese descent, welcomed the President with the 'Fonzu l-Fenek' song. Another highlight was when the Fonzu song was performed by the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta, with a special ‘big band’ arrangement by one of the musicians. Fonzu l-Fenek was also one of the children's songs shortlisted for inclusion in the European Songbook of the European Union, although eventually it was ‘beaten’ by the traditional Christmas carol ‘Ninni La Tibkix Iżjed’. In addition, Fonzu was mentioned twice in the Maltese Parliament as an example of a concrete effort to ensure that the Maltese language remains relevant for the younger generations and is not lost. For us, this was a great honour."
"We also realised how well-known the song had become when it took ‘unexpected’ directions," continued Michael. "For example, the melody of the Fonzu song was included in a Christmas Pantomime, with altered words, of course. Today you can find several parodies of the song Fonzu l-Fenek on the internet with humorous lyrics that show an element of creativity. Another interesting anecdote was when, a few years ago, during a Sports Day held at a private school, the students reportedly burst out in a spontaneous rendition of the Fonzu l-Fenek song. These and other episodes are testimony to just how popular the song has become. And lastly, let's not forget that in recent years, there were many who named their pet rabbit ‘Fonzu’, including one very popular Maltese online influencer," concluded Michael.
Thanks for that interesting information. Any final thoughts?
"Well, we can say that Fonzu's first ten years were full of satisfaction, much more than we ever anticipated. For this we thank the teachers, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and everyone who takes care of children, and of course, the kids themselves. The genuine love that we witness every day from the little ones (and people of all ages) towards this character fills us with joy. And we hope that the next ten years will be even better. We want to explore more scientifically what impact Fonzu is having on children’s eating habits and for this we have some research studies in the pipeline. We also have other ideas and projects that we are already working on that will continue to bring Fonzu and his friends to the squares, schools and homes of Malta and Gozo. For the latest news, follow us on Fonzu's website, and on Facebook and Youtube," concluded Michael and Suzanne.
