Karaoke nights are gaining popularity in the capital. Whether you’re a wobbly warbler or an undiscovered superstar, be proud of your pipes and give it a go!
To some it’s the best way to have fun and show off, to others it’s the best way to make a complete fool of yourself. Whichever it is for you, there’s no denying karaoke is starting to catch on in Abu Dhabi.
If you don’t know what it is, you’ve had your head in the sand. Individuals sing songs using audio-visual programmes, which project lyrics on to a TV screen while playing the instrumental version. The word itself means ‘empty orchestra’ in Japanese and, though disputed, it is generally accepted that the karaoke machine was invented in the 1970s.
While this form of entertainment has long been a staple at Japanese dinner parties, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it gained popularity around the world as restaurants and bars caught on to its success.
Where can I try it?
Karaoke is slowly gaining momentum around Abu Dhabi, and there’s something for every karaoke fan. Traditionalists will enjoy the Asian-style karaoke boxes at Sura at Cristal Salam Hotel. Karaoke boxes are small rooms with karaoke equipment, which are rented out by groups of people by the half-hour or hour, and are particularly popular in China, Japan and Korea. Sura offers karaoke boxes for Dhs99 per hour for a group of up to 13 people.
Sura, Cristal Salam Hotel, Al Zahiyah, www.cristalhospitality.com (02 659 7715).
Stars ’N’ Bars hosts a karaoke and open mic night every Sunday from 8pm. Adam Johnson hosts the weekly event, which features local musicians and karaoke singers. He says, ‘The night has been going for about two months now and we’ve already got five or so groups of regulars.’ With more than 20 people performing each night, the two-hour event often carries on longer. Adam explains that all different types of music are featured throughout the night. ‘We have one group who always sing hip hop and there are some Americans who always sing country,’ he says. ‘Then there are the standard Bruno Mars singers and B-52s.’ Participants receive a free drink with each performance.
Stars ’N’ Bars, Yas Marina, Yas Island, www.starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101).
In March, Stills Bar & Brasserie on Yas Island launched a karaoke night that runs every Wednesday from 9.30pm. It has since enjoyed a growing number of participants, who brave centre stage. Following in the footsteps of Stars ’N’ Bars, karaoke at Stills is performed in front of the entire bar rather than in a private room. It’s perhaps the most traditional Western karaoke night in Abu Dhabi.
Stills Bar & Brasserie, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, www.ihg.com (02 656 3053).
Note: all prices exclude service.
Dream playlist
According to UK copyright society PRS for Music, these are the 25 most popular karaoke songs
Waterloo Abba
Bohemian Rhapsody Queen
My Way Frank Sinatra
I Will Survive Gloria Gaynor
Dancing Queen Abba
Angels Robbie Williams
Like a Virgin Madonna
It’s Raining Men Weather Girls
Summer Nights Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
I Should Be So Lucky Kylie Minogue
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart Elton John and Kiki Dee
Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond
American Pie Don McLean
Killing Me Softly Roberta Flack
Hey Jude The Beatles
Don’t Stop Me Now Queen
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction Rolling Stones
Delilah Tom Jones
New York, New York Frank Sinatra
Total Eclipse of the Heart Bonnie Tyler
Livin’ la Vida Loca Ricky Martin
Livin’ on a Prayer Bon Jovi
I’m a Believer The Monkees
Love Shack B-52s
