Looking for love songs for karaoke that will make your partner blush rather than cringe? The trick is to match the song to your voice and the moment: a soft ballad for an anniversary toast, a playful duet for Valentine's, a Naija love jam if you want the whole room swaying. Here are our favourites, sorted by occasion, with honest notes on difficulty.

Before you dedicate a song: three quick rules

  1. Choose comfort over ambition. A song sung warmly in your range beats a showstopper you cannot reach.
  2. Say a few words first. A short line like 'This one is for Tolu, ten years today' does half the work before you sing a note.
  3. Look at the person, not the screen, at least for the chorus. That is the part they will remember.

Gentle ballads for the anniversary toast

These are slow, sincere and forgiving. They suit a table of two or a family dinner where you want to say something without making a scene.

  • Perfect – Ed Sheeran: steady tempo and a comfortable range for most voices. A safe, heartfelt choice.
  • All of Me – John Legend: a modern classic. The verses are easy; the chorus climbs, so start in a low, relaxed voice.
  • Make You Feel My Love – Adele: slow and gentle, ideal if you have a warm lower voice.
  • Can't Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley: short, simple and timeless. Perfect for nervous first-timers.
  • Lady – Kenny Rogers: a favourite with older couples. Sing it softly and let the room hum along.

Naija love songs that get the whole room swaying

If you want everyone involved, go local. These are songs Lagos already knows by heart, which means you will have a full choir behind you.

  • African Queen – 2face Idibia: arguably the most famous Nigerian love song of its era. Easy melody, instant singalong.
  • Yori Yori – Bracket: sweet, catchy and simple to sing. A lovely one to dedicate.
  • Ada Ada – Flavour: a wedding favourite with a highlife bounce. Better for dancing together than for a sit-down serenade.
  • Iyawo Mi – Timi Dakolo: a heartfelt tribute to a wife. Needs control and some range, so it is best for confident singers.
  • Fall – Davido: relaxed and mid-tempo, sitting nicely in most voices.
  • Essence – Wizkid featuring Tems: smooth and laid-back. Split the parts if you are singing with your partner.

Duets for Valentine's Day

Valentine's at a karaoke bar is all about singing together. These duets give each person their own moment and a shared chorus:

  • Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross: the classic love duet. Slow and dramatic, so commit to it fully.
  • Islands in the Stream – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: cheerful and easy, with a chorus that crowds love.
  • Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper: starts gently, then a big belted section arrives. Only attempt it if one of you can really go for it.
  • Ololufe – Flavour featuring Chidinma: a Naija duet that is fun to sing and even more fun to dance to.

If you want to go big

Some love songs are famous precisely because they are hard. Pick these only if you have rehearsed, or if you are happy to let the crowd help you over the finish line:

  • I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston: the final chorus is a famous mountain. Plenty of people sing it an octave down, and that is perfectly fine.
  • If I Ain't Got You – Alicia Keys: soulful and powerful; you will need good breath control.
  • At Last – Etta James: slow and jazzy. It is all about phrasing and feeling rather than volume.
Tip: if a song is too high, sing the chorus an octave lower and let the room carry the big notes. Love songs are about meaning, not vocal gymnastics.

How to make the moment land

A great dedication is partly performance and partly timing. Queue your song a little in advance so you are not waiting nervously for an hour. Pick a moment when your partner is at the table, not at the bar. Keep your intro under 20 seconds. And if your voice cracks, laugh it off and keep going; that is usually the part people find most charming.

Planning an anniversary or Valentine's night at Shaunz

Shaunz Karaoke Bar in Victoria Island has karaoke every day from 4pm till midnight, with free entry and over 50,000 songs on a touch screen, so you can queue up your dedication from your seat. Order a bottle of champagne or a pair of cocktails (a Strawberry Daiquiri and a Pina Colada make a pretty couple; see the menu), share a Shaunz Platter, and pick your moment.

Every night has its own mood, so check what's on each night to choose the one that suits you. Celebrating with friends as well? Groups of five or more have a ₦100,000 minimum spend. Reserve your table and your first drink is free. Want to polish your vocals before the big day? Read our 12 quick tips to sing karaoke better.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest love song to sing at karaoke?
Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley and Perfect by Ed Sheeran are both slow, short and sit in a comfortable range for most voices.
What is a good Nigerian love song for karaoke?
African Queen by 2face Idibia and Yori Yori by Bracket are easy, well known and guaranteed to get the room singing along.
How do I dedicate a song without it being awkward?
Pick the song on the touch screen in advance, then say one short line before the music starts. Keep it under 20 seconds and look at the person while you sing the chorus.
Which love duets are best for couples?
Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton is the easiest; Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross is the most romantic; Ololufe by Flavour featuring Chidinma is the most fun.