Nothing unites a Lagos room faster than a throwback Naija song from the 2000s. That decade gave us the songs that played at every party, wedding and school end-of-year bash, and the minute one starts at karaoke, people who swore they would not sing are suddenly on their feet. Here is a setlist of the era's best, with tips on which ones work best on the mic.

Why the 2000s are karaoke gold

The 2000s were when Nigerian pop truly took over its own airwaves. Artists like 2face Idibia, P-Square, D'banj and Styl-Plus built huge, melodic hits with simple, memorable choruses, exactly what makes a great karaoke song. Most people who were teenagers or young adults back then know these songs by heart, and younger guests know them from their parents' cars.

The love songs

  • African Queen – 2face Idibia: the definitive Naija love song of the era. Mid-tempo, warm and sung by the whole room. Read more about the artist on Wikipedia.
  • Olufunmi – Styl-Plus: a soulful group ballad. Share it between two or three friends to cover the harmonies.
  • Imagine That – Styl-Plus: gentler and very singable; a lovely dedication song.
  • No One Like You – P-Square: sweet, romantic and easy on the voice. Perfect for couples.
  • Yori Yori – Bracket: a late-decade wedding favourite with an infectious hook.
  • Jailer – Asa: soulful and distinctive; suits a calm, confident voice.
  • Fire on the Mountain – Asa: thoughtful and melodic, for singers who like storytelling songs.

The party starters

  • Do Me – P-Square: energetic and fun to perform with a friend, just as the twins did.
  • Bizzy Body – P-Square: an early hit with a dance-floor beat. Choreography optional but encouraged.
  • Why Me – D'banj: playful and catchy, with D'banj's signature charm.
  • Fall in Love – D'banj: bouncy and singable, great for a group sway.
  • Tongolo – D'banj: the song that announced him. Big energy, easy hook.
  • Gongo Aso – 9ice: a Yoruba street anthem; everyone will shout the title.
  • Dem Mama – Timaya: a bold, rhythmic track with a message. Delivery over melody.
  • Ijoya – Weird MC: pure party energy. Get your squad on the chorus.
  • My Car – Tony Tetuila: an early-2000s gem that makes people laugh and sing.
  • Kini Big Deal – Naeto C: confident, laid-back rap-pop for the swaggering friend.
  • Bumper to Bumper – Wande Coal: smooth late-decade vocals; a good test for a strong singer.
Tip: open your throwback set with African Queen. It is the fastest way to get the whole table singing and set the tone for the rest of the night.

How to build a throwback karaoke set

Mix eras within the decade

Start with early 2000s songs such as My Car and Olufunmi, move through the mid-decade P-Square and D'banj hits, and finish with late-decade favourites like Yori Yori and Bumper to Bumper. It feels like a musical time machine.

Alternate love songs and bangers

A run of slow songs can drain a room, and five bangers in a row can wreck your voice. Switch between them.

Dress the part

Throwback nights are more fun when you commit. Baggy jeans, bandanas and big shades are encouraged, and they make for brilliant photos.

Dedicate songs

Throwbacks carry memories. Dedicating No One Like You to your partner or Olufunmi to an old friend adds a special moment.

Singing the 2000s at Shaunz

Shaunz Karaoke Bar at Murphis Plaza, 27 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, has over 50,000 songs on its touch-screen request system, so finding these classics takes seconds. Karaoke runs every day from 4pm till midnight with free entry, and Saturday's All Night Karaoke with You & Your Friends (All Stars) is a perfect night to reunite your old school crew. Check the weekly lineup for other nights.

Pair the nostalgia with a Heineken, a Guinness or a Long Island, and a round of shawarma or the Shaunz Platter for the table; see the menu. Groups of five or more have a ₦100,000 minimum spend. Planning a theme party around the decade? Our hen night ideas include a throwback theme, and our Naija rap songs for karaoke list has more classics for the bold.

Gather the old crew, then reserve your table to get the first drink free, or call or WhatsApp 0905 555 6147.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular 2000s Naija song for karaoke?
African Queen by 2face Idibia is the go-to choice. Almost everyone knows it, and the melody is comfortable for most voices.
Which P-Square songs are best for karaoke?
No One Like You is easy and romantic, while Do Me and Bizzy Body are fun, energetic choices to perform with a friend.
Are old Naija songs available at Shaunz?
With over 50,000 songs on the touch-screen system, most well-known Nigerian classics are available. Search by song title or artist.
What is a good throwback song for a group?
Olufunmi by Styl-Plus works well for small groups who want to harmonise, while Ijoya by Weird MC and Gongo Aso by 9ice are great for shouting along together.