Good karaoke etiquette comes down to one idea: everyone in the room should have a great time, including the person on the mic. Follow these ten simple rules and you will be the guest every host, singer and table wants back, whether it is your first night or your fiftieth.

Think of it like a five-a-side match: the game only works if everybody plays by the same unwritten rules. Here they are, written down.

Rules for when you are waiting your turn

1. Choose your song before your name is called

Nothing slows a night down like a singer scrolling through the song list while the room waits. Browse while others are performing and have two options ready, in case your first pick has just been sung.

2. Do not hog the queue

One song at a time. If the room is full, wait until others have had a turn before adding another. On a quiet weeknight you can be more relaxed, but always check how many people are waiting.

3. Avoid repeating a song that was just sung

If someone has just sung Ojuelegba, wait at least an hour before you do your version. Fresh songs keep the energy up and spare everyone the comparisons.

Rules for when someone else is singing

4. Cheer for everyone, not just your friends

Applause is free and it changes the room. The nervous first-timer at the next table needs it more than your loud friend does. A round of applause at the end of every song is the minimum.

5. Do not grab the mic or sing over them uninvited

Singing along from your seat on a big chorus is part of the fun. Walking up and taking over someone's solo is not. If you want to join, wait to be invited.

6. Keep side conversations down during slow songs

A ballad is the singer's big moment. Lower your voice for those three or four minutes; you can catch up during the next party song.

7. Never mock a performance

Laughing with someone who is clowning on purpose is fine. Laughing at someone who is trying their best is the fastest way to kill a karaoke night. The mic only works when the room is generous.

Rules for when it is your turn

8. Respect the mic and the equipment

Hold the mic a few centimetres from your mouth, do not tap or blow into it, and never drop or swing it. Hand it to the host or the next singer rather than leaving it on a table.

9. Know when a song is too long

Seven-minute epics and long instrumental breaks test a crowd's patience on a busy night. Save them for quieter evenings, or pick a shorter track.

10. Thank the room and pass it on

When you finish, say thank you, hand over the mic and head back to your seat. Then cheer for the next singer as loudly as people cheered for you.

Tip: if you are celebrating with a big group, plan a couple of group songs. They get everyone involved without taking up five separate slots in the queue.

Etiquette for groups and celebrations

Birthday crews, hen nights and office hangouts bring brilliant energy, and they also make the most noise. A few extra courtesies go a long way:

  • Share the mic with other tables, especially if your group is large.
  • Agree on a spending plan in advance, so settling the bill does not become a scene at the end of the night.
  • Keep the celebrant's moment special by giving them the best slot rather than letting one person dominate the evening.
  • Look after each other. Pace the drinks and make sure everyone gets home safely.

Planning a celebration? Our guide to planning a birthday at a karaoke bar in Lagos walks you through it step by step.

Put it into practice at Shaunz

At Shaunz Karaoke Bar in Victoria Island, song requests go through a touch screen, which saves everyone from shouting requests across the room. Karaoke runs every day from 4pm till midnight with free entry, and on themed nights the hosts, from Evelle on Wednesdays to Kenny Joker on Thursdays, keep the energy going. See what's on each night and reserve a table for a free first drink. If you are new, warm up with our list of easy karaoke songs.

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Frequently asked questions

How many songs can I sing in one night?
There is usually no fixed number. The courteous approach is one song at a time, joining the back of the queue each time, especially when the room is busy.
Is it rude to sing along with someone else's song?
Singing along to a big chorus from your seat is welcome. Taking over someone's solo without being invited is considered rude.
What should I do if someone has already sung my song?
Pick a backup song and save your first choice for later in the night, ideally an hour or so after.
Do I have to sing at a karaoke bar?
Not at all. Plenty of people come to cheer, eat, drink and enjoy the atmosphere. Good etiquette applies to the audience too.