RAG MusicSchool Festival
Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[2026] Fire it up! A roundup of recommended Western songs to hype up your school culture festivals

Are you struggling to choose songs that will send the energy on your school festival stage or at your event soaring to the max?If you want to hype up the crowd with BGM or a dance performance, Western hits that transcend language barriers and make everyone move intuitively are perfect.We’ve gathered a wide range—from trending tracks blowing up on TikTok to classic anthems everyone’s heard at least once.Here are some hype-worthy Western songs that will make you want to jump in unison with your classmates and the audience!You’re sure to find the perfect music to vividly color a page of your youth.

[2026] Hype It Up! A Curated List of Western Songs to Energize Your Culture Festival/School Festival (61–70)

Light it Up (feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG) (Remix)Major Lazer

Major Lazer – Light it Up (feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG) (Remix) [Official 4K Music Video]
Light it Up (feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG) (Remix)Major Lazer

The dance tune delivered by Major Lazer, the US-based act, is a powerful track that exquisitely blends the cheerful vibes of Jamaican dancehall with the exhilaration of trap.

Featured on the album “Peace Is the Mission,” it was released in November 2015 and became even groovier through a collaboration with Nyla and Fuse ODG.

The music video, shot in Ghana in March 2016, also drew attention for its stunning visuals themed around traditional festivities.

As a staple dance number that can liven up school festivals and events, it continues to be loved on dance floors around the world.

StarshipsNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj – Starships (Explicit) (Official Video)
StarshipsNicki Minaj

This upbeat dance tune, which skillfully weaves together elements of electropop and reggae, is a perfect track to energize sports days and dance events.

Released by Trinidad and Tobago–born Nicki Minaj from her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, which dropped in April 2012, the song features a structure that starts with a guitar riff and unfolds into a catchy chorus.

Boasting stellar achievements—including winning Best Female Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards and earning diamond certification in the United States—this track’s electrifying sound and dynamic rhythm make it an ideal choice for group dance performances.

Hips Don’t Lie ft. Wyclef JeanShakira

Shakira – Hips Don’t Lie (featuring Wyclef Jean) (Official 4K Video) ft. Wyclef Jean
Hips Don't Lie ft. Wyclef JeanShakira

A dazzling dance number that fuses Latin pop and hip-hop! This captivating collaboration by Shakira from Colombia and rapper Wyclef Jean from Haiti blends salsa and cumbia rhythms.

Released in February 2006, it became a massive hit, reaching No.

1 in 55 countries worldwide.

It enthralled around 700 million viewers at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony and was also performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2020.

With its passionate rhythms and sensual dance beats, this powerful, energetic track is perfect for school festivals and dance performances.

Its dynamic melody and highly addictive sound are guaranteed to set the dance floor on fire!

Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)
Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

A masterpiece by the American rock band The Killers that explodes with youthful energy.

Its striking guitar riffs and driving drum beats grab you from the start, and the propulsive rock sound makes it perfect for school sports festivals or dance performances.

The vocals deliver a bittersweet love story infused with universal emotions like jealousy and insecurity.

Released in September 2003, the track drew major attention as the lead single from the acclaimed album Hot Fuss and was even nominated for a Grammy.

The album sold over seven million copies worldwide, catapulting The Killers to stardom.

The soaring, crowd-pleasing chorus and emotional vocals offer wide-ranging possibilities for choreography.

It’s a great pick for students who want to fully express youthful energy.

Oh My GodAdele

Adele – Oh My God (Official Video)
Oh My GodAdele

Adele’s hit song “Oh My God.” You there, thinking, “Wait, does Adele even have hype, upbeat tracks?” It’s true that Adele is known for emotional songs about heartbreak, but she’s actually had a reputation for catchy, energetic numbers ever since her debut.

This track is one of her latest, and while it carries a mature, moody vibe overall, it’s crafted with a lively, groovy melody.

Since Adele’s voice is so distinctive, I think it would really get the crowd going if you play it at a school festival.

DemonsAlec Benjamin

Alec Benjamin – Demons [Official Audio]
DemonsAlec Benjamin

Singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin.

This is “Demons,” a track that fully showcases his angelic voice, praised far and wide.

It has the feel of a simple singer-songwriter piece—no grand developments or flashy gimmicks.

But it’s precisely a song like this that lets you savor a unique atmosphere.

Now, how might you use this song at a festival event or school fair? It’s a slightly wistful tune—one that will surely stay close by your side.

BILLIE EILISH.Armani White

Rapper Armani White, who has earned high praise for his unique musical style.

His track “BILLIE EILISH.” was released in 2022.

As the title suggests, it directly uses the name of the world-famous singer-songwriter Billie Eilish.

Naturally, the song’s content also relates to Billie Eilish.

However, it’s by no means a diss; rather, it’s a track filled with Armani White’s respect for Billie Eilish.

It’s also popular on TikTok, making it a great recommendation as background music for school cultural festivals and events.