Some songs are meant for one voice. These are not. The best group karaoke songs have shout-along hooks, parts you can divide and enough chaos that nobody notices who is off-key. Here is a squad-tested list, organised by the kind of moment you want to create.

The golden rule of group karaoke

Pick songs where the chorus is bigger than the verses. When five or six people sing together, the verses get messy and the chorus carries everything. If the hook is huge and repetitive, you are in safe hands. If the song is mostly long, wordy verses, save it for your solo.

Naija bangers for the whole table

Start with the songs everyone in Lagos already knows. Nobody needs to read the screen for these.

  • Dorobucci – Mavin All Stars: made for a group. Assign each verse to a different person, the way the original passes between Mavin artists.
  • Buga – Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno: big call-and-response energy and a dance everyone tries. Easy vocally.
  • Ye – Burna Boy: laid-back and chantable. The hook is the whole song, so the table can carry it.
  • Soco – Wizkid: a party favourite with a simple, catchy refrain. Perfect for warming up the squad.
  • Joro – Wizkid: slower and smoother, good for a sway-along moment after the louder songs.
  • Unavailable – Davido ft. Musa Keys: amapiano bounce and a chorus that begs for a group shout.
  • Kilometre – Burna Boy: fast and confident. Let the bravest rapper in your group take the verses.

Pan-African party starters

  • Jerusalema – Master KG ft. Nomcebo Zikode: you will probably end up doing the dance. The melody is gentle and easy to follow even if you do not know the language perfectly.
  • No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley & The Wailers: a slow, warm singalong for when the squad needs a breather.

Global anthems that never fail

These are karaoke classics around the world for good reason.

  • Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen: the ultimate group project. Split it into sections: ballad, opera, rock and outro. Expect glorious chaos.
  • Don't Stop Believin' – Journey: slow build, huge payoff. Everyone joins on the chorus.
  • Livin' on a Prayer – Bon Jovi: the final chorus key change is high, which is exactly why it is fun as a group.
  • Wannabe – Spice Girls: five members, five friends. Assign a Spice to each person.
  • I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys: smooth boy-band harmonies that sound surprisingly good with a crowd.
  • Mr. Brightside – The Killers: fast, breathless and endlessly shoutable.
  • September – Earth, Wind & Fire: pure joy. Great for mixed-age groups.
  • Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond: the room will join in on the hook whether you invite them or not.
  • We Are Family – Sister Sledge: an easy closer that works for any crew.
Tip: queue a group song right after someone's nervous solo. It gives the shy singer a soft landing and keeps the energy up.

How to split parts like a pro

Assign lines before the song starts

Take thirty seconds to agree who sings which verse. It stops two people grabbing the same line and the other four standing silently.

Pass the mic, not the spotlight

If there are fewer mics than people, hand them along on each verse and have everyone sing the chorus together, mic or no mic.

Keep one strong voice in the middle

Every squad has one friend who can actually hold a tune. Put them in the centre to anchor the melody so the rest of the group can relax.

Mix the slow with the loud

Three high-energy anthems in a row will wear out voices. Follow a shout-along with something like Joro or No Woman, No Cry before going big again.

Bringing your squad to Shaunz

Shaunz Karaoke Bar on Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, runs karaoke every day from 4pm till midnight, with free entry, over 50,000 songs and touch-screen requests so your group can queue its set without waiting for anyone. Saturday is literally named for squads: All Night Karaoke with You & Your Friends (All Stars). Check the full week on our what's on page.

For groups of five or more there is a ₦100,000 minimum spend, and with a sharing table of the Shaunz Platter, grills, shawarma and a round of Long Islands or Zombies, a squad usually gets there naturally. Browse the menu ahead of time so you can split the order fairly.

Planning around a birthday or a celebration? Ladies planning a send-off will like our bachelorette party ideas, and if your crew is bold enough, try a round from our rap songs for karaoke list.

Group tables go first on busy nights. Reserve online to get your first drink free, or call or WhatsApp 0905 555 6147 to sort out a big booking.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best karaoke song for a large group?
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and Dorobucci by Mavin All Stars both work brilliantly because they have distinct sections you can share among many people.
Is there a minimum spend for groups at Shaunz?
Yes. Groups of five or more have a ₦100,000 minimum spend.
Which night is best for a squad night out?
Any night works since karaoke runs daily, but Saturday is All Night Karaoke with You & Your Friends (All Stars), designed for groups.
How do we avoid one person hogging the mic?
Agree on parts before each song, pass the mic every verse and sing choruses together. Queue songs in rounds on the touch screen so everyone gets a turn.