Five best karaoke nights

1.Soulbrew Karaoke

Rack up some decibels at this funk and soul-themed karaoke – discos divas, this might be your spiritual home. With a five-piece live funk band as your accompaniment, you can perform all you favourite classics from Michael Jackson to Chaka Khan. This place is always packed to the rafters with supportive Motown lovers.

Soulbrew Karaoke is on the last Friday of the month at Queen of Hoxton, £5; And from 31 May every Thursday at Madame JoJo’s in Soho, £5, soulbrewkaraoke.com

2.KaraUke

It’s not just folk fans who flock to this unique event (pronounced carry-you-key) – the promise of belting out ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ with 11 ukulele players pulls in lots with Glastonbury-esque dreams. The group’s repertoire has a ton of vintage rock and pop – think Johnny Cash, Blondie – and more recent numbers from Cee Lo Green. Backing vocals on request…

Check their website and Facebook group to see upcoming events. Free when RSVPing on Facebook event, karauke.co.uk

3.Hip Hop Karaoke

A lot of us can half-rap the worlds to ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, but having the guts to do it in front of legions of hardcore rap fans is a whole differednt ask. More heavyweight options come in the shape of Busta Rhymes – don’t worry booing is prohibited in this establishment. But be warned – this cosy venue fills up pretty quick so you need to arrive early even to spectate.

Hip Hop Karaoke is every Thursday at 7pm from £5 at The Social, 5 Little Portland St, W1W 7JD, hiphopkaraoke.co.uk

4.Rockaoke

At Roackaoke, wannabe lead singers get a taste of the limelight with their own backing band made up of a guitarist, bassist and drummer. Crack out your best head banging and own the stage with Kaiser Chief’s ‘I predict a riot’. Lyric sheets provided for each of the 200 songs, so you can really work the ‘stadium’. Hopping from venue to venue (including Mahiki), this night can also be booked for private events. Dave Grohl and Karen O – eat your heart out

Visit rockaoke.co.uk for more details. Usually free before 9pm.

5.Hot Breath Karaoke

What do Jonathan Ross, Beth Ditto and Gareth Gates have in common? They’ve all apparently sung at Hot Breath Karaoke! Think ‘Wheel of fortune’ crossed with some atrocious singing and you’ve arrived at this glorious hotbed of Shoreditch eccentricity. Participants, once they’ve completed their song of choice, get to spin the on-stage wheel for the chance to win a prize. The self-style ‘alternative karaoke’ also has sporadic one-off themed nights with customised song lists and costumes; there has even been a stint of ‘cardioke’ – singing whilst on exercise equipment.

Visit thehouseofhotbreath.com for details of the next event.