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 your culture and school festivals (21–30)

Uptown FunkMark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Uptown FunkMark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

This is the song that helped Bruno Mars—now a global star—break through.

Its groovy rhythm is irresistible and perfect as background music for dancing.

If you’re confident in your vocal ability, it’s also great to sing with a band or at a karaoke contest.

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Lil Boo ThangPaul Russell

Paul Russell – Lil Boo Thang (Official Video)

Lil Boo ThangPaul Russell

Released in August 2023, “Lil Boo Thang” is a track by Paul Russell, an American rapper, singer, and business consultant.

Sampling the 1977 classic “Best of My Love,” it’s crafted into a positive tune with a funky beat.

The balance between Russell’s passionate rap and the mellow melody is spot-on, making it perfect for school festivals and cultural events.

The chorus, in particular, has an irresistible groove that makes your body move without thinking.

It’s an ideal song for having fun and dancing with friends.

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What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

An encouragement song full of kindness and hope, dedicated to women who struggle with self-confidence.

The popular British group One Direction delivers the importance of loving yourself just as you are through a captivating melody and memorable lyrics.

Its refreshing sound, blending power pop and pop rock, pairs perfectly with the bright, uplifting message.

Released in September 2011 as the lead single from their debut album Up All Night, the track achieved worldwide success.

It has been featured in numerous TV shows and commercials, and won the Brit Award for British Single in 2012.

It’s a perfect song to bring energy and courage as background music for school festivals and cultural events.

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WaterTyla

Tyla – Water (Official Music Video)

WaterTyla

The breakout work by South Africa’s rising star Tyla makes a striking impression with its dazzling sound that fuses pop, R&B, and Afrobeats.

Her passionate vocals blend with Amapiano rhythms, brilliantly showcasing refined musicality and youthful sensibility.

Released in July 2023 as the lead single from the album “Tyla,” it reached No.

15 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100.

At the 2024 Grammy Awards, it won Best African Music Performance, opening up new possibilities for South African music.

The track has also earned fervent support from young people worldwide, with its dance challenge going viral on social media.

Perfect for school festivals and dance performances, its exhilarating beat and outstanding groove will instantly elevate the atmosphere of any venue.

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It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

It's My LifeBon Jovi

A song by the world-famous American hard rock band Bon Jovi.

Because it’s often used on Japanese variety shows, even people who aren’t very familiar with Western music have probably heard it.

It’s the perfect number for band members thinking, “We want to stand out at the school festival by playing a cool Western song, but there’s no point if no one knows it.” From the heavy sound of the intro and verse to the transition into a catchy chorus, this track is packed with the cool essence of rock.

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Hoshino Takashi

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CloserThe Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers – Closer (Lyric) ft. Halsey

CloserThe Chainsmokers

When it comes to American EDM, The Chainsmokers likely come to mind.

“Closer” is known as one of their signature songs.

Unlike high-energy, hype-heavy EDM, it has a slightly more laid-back feel while still building excitement—a stylish number that really delivers.

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Cake By The OceanDNCE

DNCE – Cake By The Ocean

Cake By The OceanDNCE

DNCE became instantly famous in Japan through their collaboration with SEKAI NO OWARI.

“Cake By The Ocean” is known as one of their signature songs.

It feels like a track made purely to get the crowd hyped, and just listening to it makes you want to dance.

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