Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.

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 roundup of recommended Western songs to energize cultural and school festivals (11–20)

Lush LifeNEW!Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson – Lush Life (Official Video)

Lush LifeNEW!Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson, a global pop star from Sweden known for her polished dance sound, has won widespread popularity.

Released in June 2015, this track was later included on her album “So Good” and became one of her signature songs, enjoying long-running success.

It was also featured in a Clinique cosmetics campaign, making it familiar to a broad audience.

With a positive theme of not dwelling on the past and enjoying the present, its bouncy tones and brisk rhythms lift listeners’ spirits.

The catchy vibe makes it easy for anyone to get into, which is particularly striking.

In 2025, on the 10th anniversary of its release, it experienced a revival hit on social media and became hugely popular among teenagers.

It would be a great choice as background music for a school festival dance—why not give it a try?

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Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

You can’t leave out Ed Sheeran, one of the world’s leading singer-songwriters.

All of his songs are popular, but among them, the one I recommend for a school festival is Shape of You.

It’s simple yet emotional, and just listening to it gets you hyped.

It’s also very well-known, so it should be easy to get the crowd going.

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EspressoSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso

EspressoSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter, an American artist known for her captivating sound that fuses pop and funk, first launched her career as a Disney Channel actress.

Released by Island Records in April 2024, this work is an ambitious piece in which she proudly sings about her own allure.

Her energetic, humorous vocals add a refreshing splash of color as background music for school festivals and cultural events.

A track from the album “Short n’ Sweet,” it topped the UK Singles Chart and reached No.

3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The music video, directed by Dave Meyers and set on a beach, brings out her charm to the fullest.

Hugely popular especially among young listeners and a hot topic on social media, this song resonates pleasantly even in calmer spaces like concession stands and rest areas.

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See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack

See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa

This warm and heartfelt track weaves together an emotional, melodious piano line with powerful rap.

A collaboration between American artists Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, it’s a touching message song that reflects on friendship, farewell, and the hope of reunion.

Released in March 2015 as part of the soundtrack for the film Furious 7, it became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks.

Its positive lyrics about the importance of bonds with friends and family, paired with a melody that resonates deeply, are sure to soothe many hearts.

It’s a recommended song for school festivals or cultural festivals—perfect for strengthening class unity or reminiscing about shared memories.

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Not Like UsKendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Not Like UsKendrick Lamar

A track by American artist Kendrick Lamar that fuses a grand, hard-hitting beat with highly message-driven lyrics.

The distinctly West Coast rhythms and powerful rap will comfortably envelop the school festival venue.

Released in May 2024, the song expresses a deep affection for the local community and a strong will to stay true to one’s beliefs.

The Mustard-produced beat carries an open, breezy feel that evokes summer beaches and barbecues, making it perfect for an activity-filled school festival.

Featured on the album “GNX,” it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its well-balanced vibe makes it suitable for various settings such as festival food stalls and rest areas.

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APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

This is a collaborative work by superstar representatives of the United States and South Korea, inspired by a drinking game popular among Korean youth.

BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s crystalline vocals blend seamlessly with Bruno Mars’s soulful singing to create an up-tempo, energetic sound.

Released in October 2024, the track achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Billboard Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks.

It’s perfect for school festivals when you want to elevate the party mood, kick off an event, or energize the entire venue.

The passionate performances by Rosé and Bruno Mars are sure to instantly liven up the cultural festival atmosphere.

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[2026] Hype It Up! A roundup of recommended Western songs to energize your culture and school festivals (21–30)

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

SugarMaroon 5

If you’re looking for modern, stylish songs that are easy for a band to cover, Maroon 5 is a great choice.

They’re one of America’s leading pop bands and are known by anyone who likes Western music.

Among their hits, “Sugar” is especially famous as one of their signature songs, and it’s also easy for bands to cover—so definitely check it out.

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