Play the opening bars of an old school karaoke song and something special happens: the aunties put down their drinks, the youngest person at the table somehow knows every word, and the whole room becomes one choir. These are the classics, from disco and soul to Nigerian evergreens, that never fail to get a crowd singing.

Why old-school songs win at karaoke

Classic songs have had decades to sink into everyone's memory. They play at weddings, at owambes, on the radio and in our parents' cars, so even people who never chose to listen to them know the chorus. They also tend to have strong, simple melodies written to be sung, which makes them friendlier than many modern tracks built around studio production.

Disco and funk floor-fillers

  • September – Earth, Wind & Fire: pure joy. The chorus is easy and the whole room will clap along. Easy to medium.
  • Celebration – Kool & the Gang: a party in a song, perfect for birthdays and big groups.
  • I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor: starts slowly and finishes huge. Everyone knows the chorus.
  • Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now – McFadden & Whitehead: upbeat and positive, a feel-good favourite with the older crowd.

Soul, pop and Motown legends

  • Billie Jean – Michael Jackson: the verses are low and rhythmic, but the energy has to be high. Medium.
  • I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston: bright and fun, though the chorus climbs. Pace yourself.
  • Ain't No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: a duet that works brilliantly as a group singalong.
  • Dancing Queen – ABBA: high but forgiving, because the crowd will drown you out anyway.
  • Stand by Me – Ben E. King: the gentlest classic of all, great for a slower moment.

Nigerian and African evergreens

No old-school night in Lagos is complete without these.

  • Sweet Mother – Prince Nico Mbarga: one of the best-loved African songs of all time (its Wikipedia page tells the story). Gentle, warm and guaranteed to move the older guests.
  • Water No Get Enemy – Fela Kuti: long and groove-based, so share it around a group and enjoy the horns.
  • Osondi Owendi – Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe: a highlife treasure with a relaxed, swaying tempo.
  • No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley & The Wailers: a reggae classic that generations of Nigerians know by heart.

Rock and pop anthems for the brave

  • Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen: six minutes, many sections, all chaos. Only attempt it as a group, and commit fully.
  • Africa – Toto: a surprise crowd favourite with a chorus everyone recognises.
  • Don't Stop Believin' – Journey: the ultimate group closer.
Tip: old-school songs often have long intros and instrumental breaks. Use them to get the room clapping on the beat, and the crowd will be on your side before you sing a note.

How to own an old-school crowd moment

  1. Time it right. Classics hit hardest mid to late evening, when the room is warm and ready to sing.
  2. Bring the older guests in. Hand the mic to an uncle or aunty for the chorus. It is often the highlight of the night.
  3. Do not rush. Classic songs breathe. Let the groove carry you instead of racing the lyrics.
  4. Dance. Half the fun of an old-school song is the moves. Nobody is checking your pitch while you are doing the shuffle.

Sing the classics at Shaunz

With over 50,000 songs on its touch-screen system, Shaunz Karaoke Bar in Victoria Island is a great place to dig into the classics. Karaoke runs every day from 4pm till midnight with free entry, and Sunday's All Night Karaoke with Your Loved Ones is a natural fit for a throwback session with the people who introduced you to these songs. Check what's on each night, plan a birthday or family celebration, and reserve a table with your first drink free. Want something newer? Try our Naija karaoke songs list.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best old-school song for karaoke?
September by Earth, Wind & Fire and I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor are reliable choices. They are familiar, upbeat and easy for a crowd to join.
Which classic Nigerian songs work at karaoke?
Sweet Mother by Prince Nico Mbarga and Osondi Owendi by Osita Osadebe are much-loved choices, especially when older family members are in the room.
Are old songs easier to sing than new ones?
Often, yes. Many classics have strong, simple melodies written to be sung, while some modern tracks rely on studio production that is hard to copy live.
Which night at Shaunz suits a throwback session with family?
Sunday is All Night Karaoke with Your Loved Ones, a great night to bring the people you love. Karaoke runs every day from 4pm till midnight.