Yes, gospel karaoke songs are a thing, and in Lagos they might be the most fun of all. Most people in the room grew up with praise songs at church, at school assembly or at family gatherings, so a good gospel pick turns a solo into a full choir in seconds. Here are the gospel and praise songs that work best at karaoke, from Nigerian worship favourites to international classics.

Why gospel songs shine at karaoke

  • Everyone knows them. Praise songs are part of shared memory, so you rarely sing alone.
  • They are built for group singing. Call-and-response choruses and repeated lines are easy to follow.
  • They bridge generations. When several generations share a table, a praise song is something everyone can join.
  • They lift the mood. A joyful praise song can reset a room after a run of heartbreak ballads.

Nigerian praise and worship favourites

  • Way Maker – Sinach: sung in churches around the world. Its steady, repetitive structure makes it easy for beginners and groups.
  • I Know Who I Am – Sinach: upbeat and declarative; great for getting a table on its feet.
  • Excess Love – Mercy Chinwo: a heartfelt worship song with a soaring chorus. Best for confident singers with good breath control.
  • Obinasom – Mercy Chinwo: joyful, with an Igbo flavour. Fun to sing with friends who know the words.
  • Onise Iyanu – Nathaniel Bassey: a slow, reverent Yoruba worship song. Lean into the feeling rather than the volume.
  • Imela – Nathaniel Bassey featuring Enitan Adaba: a thanksgiving song that suits birthdays and celebrations.
  • Under the Canopy – Frank Edwards: bright and danceable; good when you want praise with energy.

International gospel classics

  • Oh Happy Day – The Edwin Hawkins Singers: the ultimate gospel singalong. Choose a lead and let everyone else be the choir.
  • I Smile – Kirk Franklin: feel-good and mid-tempo, with an easy chorus.
  • Stomp – Kirk Franklin: high energy and playful; better as a group performance than a solo.
  • Jesus Is Alive – Ron Kenoly: a long-time church favourite in Nigeria. Bouncy and very easy to join.
  • Give Thanks – Don Moen: gentle and simple, a good choice for a calm moment.
  • Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United: slow-building and atmospheric. Needs patience and a steady voice.
  • Goodness of God – Bethel Music: warm and singable for most ranges.

Hymns everyone can sing

Traditional hymns are a brilliant fallback because the melodies are familiar across generations and denominations:

  • Amazing Grace – traditional hymn (words by John Newton): slow and simple. Many karaoke versions exist; pick one in a key that suits you.
  • How Great Thou Art – traditional hymn: majestic, with a big-voiced chorus.
  • Great Is Thy Faithfulness – traditional hymn: steady and comforting, ideal for older family members.

How to lead a praise moment at karaoke

  1. Read the room. A gospel song lands best at a family outing, a birthday with older guests or a Sunday hangout. On a rowdy Saturday, choose an upbeat praise song rather than a slow worship ballad.
  2. Invite people in. Before you start, say 'sing with me if you know it'. Most people will.
  3. Keep it joyful and respectful. Sing it like you mean it. Nobody wants a parody of a song someone holds dear.
  4. Use the repetition. Gospel songs often repeat the chorus. Get a little stronger each time to build energy.
  5. Don't chase the riffs. Leave the elaborate vocal runs to the professionals and focus on a clean melody.
Tip: if a worship song is too high, don't strain. Sing it lower and let the group fill in the top. Praise songs are about togetherness, not range.

Sunday at Shaunz: loved ones, food and familiar songs

Gospel picks feel especially at home on Sunday – All Night Karaoke with Your Loved Ones at Shaunz Karaoke Bar in Victoria Island. Karaoke runs every day from 4pm till midnight with free entry, and with over 50,000 songs on the touch screen you can search by title or artist. If a particular version is not there, try another artist's recording of the same song.

Make it a proper outing: share a Shaunz Platter, order pepper soup and grills, and take turns choosing the next song. Browse the menu ahead of time, and remember that groups of five or more have a ₦100,000 minimum spend. Reserve a table and your first drink is free, or check what's on each night. If your family loves older Nigerian music too, try our list of highlife and juju classics for karaoke.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to sing gospel songs at a karaoke bar?
Absolutely. Gospel and praise songs are some of the best group singalongs, especially on family nights. Just sing them with joy and respect.
What is the easiest gospel song for karaoke?
Way Maker by Sinach and Jesus Is Alive by Ron Kenoly are easy to follow thanks to their repeated choruses.
Which night at Shaunz is best for gospel songs?
Sunday, All Night Karaoke with Your Loved Ones, is the natural fit, but you can request any song any day from 4pm till midnight.
What if I don't know all the words?
The lyrics appear on screen, and gospel choruses repeat often, so you will pick it up quickly. Invite your table to sing along with you.