There is seemingly no challenge big enough for Paul Oakenfold who has taken the craft of DJing to the world’s biggest heights (Mount Everest Base Camp) and its most sacred sites (he is the first artist to ever perform Stonehenge). Paul’s latest endeavor took him to the sands of Abu Dhabi where on Wednesday, March 10th, he performed a DJ set surrounded by more than 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing 200 nations at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games 2019 at Zayed Sports City.
Paul was among several internationally renowned music artists to appear at the Opening Ceremonies. Avril Lavigne (whose song ‘Fly’ was the official anthem for the 2015 World Games), Luis Fonsi (singer of global smash-hit single ‘Despacito’), Emirati singer and Good Will Ambassador at Large, HE Hussain Al Jassmi, Syrian superstar Assala Nasri, and star of Egypt and the Arab world, Tamer Hosny came together for a performance of the official World Games anthem ‘Right Where I’m Supposed To Be’ for the very first time. The song was created by Greg Wells (a producer and Grammy Award-winner for ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack), Ryan Tedder (lead singer of chart-topping act OneRepublic), and Quincy Jones (Honorary Executive Producer and 28-time Grammy Award-winner).
Paul holds philanthropy and humanitarian causes close to his heart. For his work, he’s received the Humanitarian Cultural Award from British Ambassador in Washington, DC and is Soccer Aid for UNICEF Advisor. In 2017, after a 10-day trek, he gave a live performance at Mount Everest Base Camp. The event raised money for local charities Himalayan Trust, Youth Music, Mayors Music Fund, and Supporting Nepal’s Children.
Up next for Paul: He’s putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming artist album “Labor of Love” set for release later this year. The album features guest appearances from Ryan Tedder, Luis Fonsi and CeeLo Green, among others.
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