What Is a Service of Songs? A Complete Guide to Planning One

What is a service of songs? Learn what happens, how to plan one, and what to expect at this key Nigerian funeral event. A complete guide.

If you have ever been invited to a Nigerian funeral, you have probably heard the phrase "service of songs" and wondered what exactly it involves. For those attending for the first time, or for families in the diaspora who are planning one from overseas, the term can feel a bit vague. What happens at a service of songs? Is it the same as a wake? Who organises it, and what goes into the service of songs programme?

This guide covers everything you need to know, from what a service of songs actually is, to the practical details of planning one that honours your loved one beautifully.

Quick Summary

  • A service of songs is a pre-burial gathering held the evening before the funeral, centred around hymns, prayers, tributes, and music.

  • It is not the same as a wake-keeping, although the two are sometimes combined.

  • The event typically lasts 2 to 4 hours and is held at the family home, a church hall, an event centre, or a hotel.

  • A printed or digital programme is standard, outlining the order of events.

  • Family members, friends, church groups, and colleagues are all welcome.

What Is a Service of Songs?

A service of songs is a gathering held in honour of someone who has passed away, usually the evening before the burial or funeral service. It is one of the most common events in the Nigerian Christian funeral tradition, though non-religious families also hold versions of it.

The event is exactly what the name suggests: a service built around songs. Hymns, worship songs, and sometimes the deceased person's favourite music form the backbone of the evening. Between the songs, there are prayers, scripture readings, short tributes from family and friends, and sometimes a brief sermon or exhortation by a pastor.

The atmosphere of a service of songs is distinct from the funeral itself. While the burial day tends to be more formal and emotionally intense, the service of songs often has a warmer, more communal feel. It is a time for people to gather, share memories, comfort the family, and worship together. Tears flow freely, but so does laughter, especially when someone shares a funny story about the departed.

Service of Songs vs Wake-Keeping: What Is the Difference?

Many people use "service of songs" and "wake-keeping" interchangeably, but they are not quite the same thing.

A wake-keeping (or "wake keep") is a vigil held through the night before the burial. Traditionally, it involved the family and close friends literally staying awake with the body of the deceased through the night, keeping watch until morning. In many Nigerian communities, wake-keepings have evolved into lively events with music, food, drinks, and dancing that can last until the early hours.

A service of songs is more structured and usually shorter. It has a formal programme, begins and ends at set times (typically 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or similar), and follows a planned order of worship. It is more church-influenced and tends to be less festive than a traditional wake-keeping.

In practice, many families today combine the two. The service of songs occupies the first half of the evening with its structured programme, and the wake-keeping atmosphere takes over afterwards, with music, food, and socialising continuing late into the night. For a detailed look at how this event fits into the full funeral process, see The Complete Timeline of a Nigerian Funeral: From Death to Thanksgiving.

What Happens at a Service of Songs?

If you are attending for the first time, here is what to expect at a typical service of songs:

Opening Prayer and Welcome

A pastor, priest, or senior family member opens the event with a prayer and welcomes guests. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) is introduced and takes over the coordination of the evening.

Hymns and Worship Songs

This is the heart of the event. The congregation sings hymns together, often accompanied by a choir, a live band, or recorded music. Common choices include traditional hymns like "Abide with Me," "The Lord Is My Shepherd," and "Rock of Ages," along with contemporary worship songs. If the deceased had favourite hymns, these are always included.

Scripture Readings

Selected Bible passages are read aloud, usually by different family members or friends. Popular choices include Psalm 23, John 14:1-6, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Tributes

Family members, friends, colleagues, and community members take turns sharing tributes. These can be read from prepared texts or spoken spontaneously. This is often the most emotional part of the evening. If you need help crafting a tribute, our guide on how to write a tribute to your late mother offers detailed examples and tips that apply to tributes for anyone.

Short Sermon or Exhortation

A pastor or clergy member delivers a brief message, usually centred on comfort, hope, and the Christian understanding of death and resurrection. This is typically shorter and less formal than the sermon at the burial service.

Special Musical Performances

Choirs, soloists, or musical groups may perform special songs. In some families, professional gospel musicians are invited to minister. The deceased person's favourite songs are often performed during this segment.

Photo Display and Video Tributes

Many families set up a photo display or run a slideshow of the deceased's photographs during the event. Video tributes, where family members record short messages, have become increasingly popular, especially for including relatives in the diaspora who cannot attend in person. See our guide on how to attend a Nigerian funeral virtually for more on remote participation.

Closing Prayer and Vote of Thanks

A senior family member or pastor closes the formal programme with prayer. A member of the family delivers a vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone who attended and contributed.

Refreshments

After the formal programme, refreshments are served. Depending on the family's budget and preferences, this can range from small chops and drinks to a full buffet. Some families also provide souvenir items.

How to Plan a Service of Songs Programme

If you are organising a service of songs for your family, having a clear service of songs programme is essential. It keeps the event running smoothly and ensures that all the important elements are covered.

Sample Service of Songs Programme

Here is a standard programme you can adapt:

Service of Songs in Honour of Late Mrs. Grace Adebayo (nee Ogunleye) *1948 - 2025*

Date: Friday, 14th March 2026 Venue: Christ Church Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos Time: 5:00 p.m.

  1. Opening Prayer — Pastor James Adeyemi

  2. Opening Hymn — "Abide with Me" (Congregation)

  3. First Scripture Reading (Psalm 23) — Mrs. Bola Adebayo (Daughter-in-law)

  4. Hymn — "The Lord Is My Shepherd"

  5. Tribute by Children — Mr. Tunde Adebayo

  6. Tribute by Grandchildren — Miss Iretiola Adebayo

  7. Hymn — "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

  8. Second Scripture Reading (John 14:1-6) — Deacon Paul Ogunleye

  9. Tribute by Friends — Mrs. Funke Coker

  10. Special Song — Church Choir

  11. Tribute by Colleagues — Dr. Aisha Mohammed

  12. Hymn — Mama's Favourite: "How Great Thou Art"

  13. Short Exhortation — Rev. Canon Biodun Alabi

  14. Special Musical Ministration — Sis. Mercy Okonkwo

  15. Open Tribute Session (2 minutes each)

  16. Closing Hymn — "It Is Well with My Soul"

  17. Closing Prayer — Pastor James Adeyemi

  18. Vote of Thanks — Mr. Kunle Adebayo (First Son)

  19. Refreshments

Tips for Designing the Programme

  • Print enough copies. Estimate your guest count and print 10 to 20 per cent extra. For guidance on designing the printed programme itself, see How to Design a Burial Programme: Templates and Tips.

  • Set a time limit for tributes. Open tribute sessions can overrun badly. Ask your MC to politely enforce a 2 to 3 minute limit per speaker.

  • Choose an MC who can read the room. The MC sets the tone for the entire evening. Choose someone who is warm, organised, and sensitive to the emotional weight of the occasion.

  • Coordinate with the church. If the deceased's church is providing the choir or clergy, confirm arrangements well in advance.

  • Consider a digital programme. A PDF version of the programme can be shared on WhatsApp alongside the funeral announcement, making it easy for diaspora family members to follow along.

Some families also hold a separate night of tribute, which is a more intimate event focused entirely on personal reflections and storytelling.

Venue and Logistics

Choosing the Right Venue

The venue depends on your budget, guest count, and family preferences. Common options include:

  • The family home or compound. This is the most traditional choice, especially in eastern and western Nigeria. A canopy or tent is erected in the compound, and chairs are arranged for guests.

  • Church halls. Many churches offer their halls for the service of songs, particularly if the deceased was an active member.

  • Event centres and hotels. For larger events or families who want a more polished setting, event centres in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are popular. Costs vary widely, from ₦200,000 to ₦2,000,000 (roughly £100 to £1,000 / $130 to $1,300) depending on location and facilities.

Other Logistics to Consider

  • Sound system: Essential. Whether you hire one or use the venue's equipment, test it before the event.

  • Chairs and canopies: If hosting at home, you will need to hire these. Most areas have local event rental companies.

  • Photography and videography: Hire a photographer and videographer. The footage is precious, especially for family members who could not attend.

  • Parking and security: For larger events in cities, consider parking attendants and basic security.

For Families in the Diaspora

If you are planning a service of songs from the UK, US, or Canada, coordination is key. Assign a trusted family member or friend in Nigeria as the local coordinator. They will handle venue booking, vendor management, and day-of logistics while you manage the programme content, tributes, and financial contributions from abroad.

For relatives who cannot travel for the event, consider setting up a virtual attendance option. A simple Zoom or WhatsApp video call can allow diaspora family to participate in real time.

If you would like to create a lasting online tribute that family and friends can visit from anywhere in the world, CelebrateThem makes it easy. You can set up a beautiful memorial page in just a few minutes and share the link with your entire family on WhatsApp, so that everyone, whether they attend the service of songs in person or follow from abroad, can read tributes, view photos, and add their own memories.

Making the Evening Meaningful

A service of songs is more than an item on the funeral checklist. Done well, it is the moment when a community comes together to say: this person mattered. Their life had weight. Their absence is felt.

The best services of songs are the ones where the music is heartfelt, the tributes are honest, and the atmosphere allows people to grieve and celebrate at the same time. You do not need a massive budget or a perfect programme. You need sincerity, good music, and a room full of people who loved the person you are honouring.

Your loved one's story deserves to be told, and this is one of the most beautiful ways to begin telling it.