If you want a Lagos room on its feet, nothing beats a hook everybody can shout back. These are the Naija karaoke songs that work best on the mic, from Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and Tems to the classics that came before them, sorted by vibe with a quick note on how hard each one is.

Why Afrobeats works so well at karaoke

Afrobeats is designed for movement and call-and-response. Choruses are short and repetitive, and they often mix English, Pidgin, Yoruba or Igbo, which means everybody in a Lagos room has a way in. The sound has grown into a global movement (Wikipedia has a good overview of the history of Afrobeats), but it still sounds best sung loudly among friends at home.

The one catch: many Afrobeats tracks rely on vibe more than melody, so the singer has to bring the energy. Stand up, move, and point the mic at the crowd when the hook comes round.

Big singalong anthems (easy)

  • Ye – Burna Boy: the hook is short and the whole room knows it. Low effort, maximum reaction.
  • Fall – Davido: smooth and mid tempo, with a melody that sits comfortably for most voices.
  • Calm Down – Rema: hugely familiar and gentle on the voice. Save some breath for the chorus.
  • Buga – Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno: more of a chant than a song, so pitch hardly matters. Perfect for groups.
  • Johnny – Yemi Alade: a storytelling anthem with a chorus everyone joins on cue.

Smooth and soulful (medium)

  • Essence – Wizkid feat. Tems: laid-back but deceptively tricky. It works beautifully as a duet if one of you takes the Tems part.
  • Peru – Fireboy DML: playful and catchy. The verses move quickly, so read ahead on the screen.
  • Ku Lo Sa – Oxlade: a gorgeous melody that needs a steady voice. Great if you have a soft, controlled tone.
  • Rush – Ayra Starr: confident and bouncy. Ideal for a girls' table taking turns on the verses.
  • Finesse – Pheelz feat. BNXN: cool, relaxed and very singable once you have the rhythm.

Party starters (high energy)

  • Unavailable – Davido feat. Musa Keys: the amapiano groove gets people off their seats. Keep it playful.
  • Terminator – Asake: chant-heavy and fun, but the fast lines need confidence. Bring backup singers.
  • Electricity – Pheelz & Davido: bright and bouncy, an easy way to lift a quiet room.
  • Dorobucci – Mavin All Stars: built for a crew. Split the verses between friends and go all out on the hook.
  • Skelewu – Davido: an older banger that still works. Expect someone to attempt the dance.

Throwbacks that still hit

  • African Queen – 2Baba: the gentle classic that every generation can sing.
  • Yori Yori – Bracket: sweet, simple and great for a slow moment in the night.
  • Ojuelegba – Wizkid: emotional and very Lagos. The room will sing it back to you.
  • Ozumba Mbadiwe – Reekado Banks: named after a famous Victoria Island road, so it lands especially well on the Island.

If you prefer older classics, see our list of old-school karaoke songs, and if you are new to the mic, start with our easy karaoke songs for beginners.

Tip: Afrobeats tracks often have long instrumental intros. Use that time to hype the crowd instead of standing still waiting for the words.

How to pick the right Naija song for the moment

  1. Read the room. Early evening suits smooth songs like Essence or Fall; later on, switch to the party starters.
  2. Know the language. If a song has a long Yoruba or Igbo verse you do not know, pair up with someone who does.
  3. Do not fear the rap parts. Speak them in rhythm. Confidence sells it more than accuracy.
  4. Finish strong. End your turn on a hook everyone knows so the applause comes naturally.

Sing them at Shaunz

At Shaunz Karaoke Bar in Victoria Island you can search over 50,000 songs on the touch-screen request system, every day from 4pm till midnight, with free entry. Each night has its own flavour, from Karaoke Wednesday with Evelle & Friends to Saturday's All Stars, so check what's on each night before you come. Order a Long Island or a cold Trophy, and reserve your table for a free first drink.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best Naija song for karaoke?
For a guaranteed singalong, Ye by Burna Boy, Fall by Davido and African Queen by 2Baba are hard to beat. They are familiar, catchy and comfortable to sing.
Are Afrobeats songs hard to sing at karaoke?
Most are easier than they sound because the choruses are short and repetitive. Songs with fast verses, like some Asake tracks, are best shared with friends.
Can I find Nigerian songs on the karaoke system at Shaunz?
Shaunz has over 50,000 songs on its touch-screen system. If you have a specific track in mind, search for it on the screen when you arrive.
Do I need to book to sing at Shaunz?
Entry is free and karaoke runs daily from 4pm till midnight, so you can walk in. Reserving through the reservation link secures your table and gets you your first drink free.