KATHMANDU, JUNE 13
Tenzing Sherpa, known as DJ Tenzing, has made waves by hosting the highest altitude DJ concert ever in the Everest region. On May 17, he brought music to life at Camp II of Mount Everest, situated at a breathtaking 6,400 meters.
This event, while aiming for a Guinness World Record, primarily sought to raise awareness about the pressing issue of climate change, particularly its impact on the Himalayan region.
DJ Tenzing's performance was not merely a quest for records but a mission to highlight the devastating effects of global warming on the Himalayas. The concert, themed "Stop Global Warming, Save the Himalayas," was part of his Everest Expedition 2024. On May 19, climbers and Sherpas at Camp II grooved to his beats, creating an unforgettable musical experience amidst the grandeur of Everest.
Although this was a groundbreaking event, it wasn't the first high-altitude DJ concert. In 2017, British DJ Paul Oakenfold hosted an event at Everest Base Camp.
DJ Tenzing himself had previously performed at Kalapathar at 5,644 m in 2011.
The current Guinness World Record for the highest altitude DJ set on land is held by a Pakistani group, who played at 5,909 meters in Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, on July 25, 2021.
DJ Tenzing's recent concert at 6,400 meters aims to surpass this record, with all necessary evidence being submitted to Guinness World Records.
For DJ Tenzing, the concert at Camp II was just the beginning. He also reached the summit of Everest on May 21 at 4:47 am, underscoring his commitment to spreading awareness about climate change and its impacts on the Khumbu region. "Although I have scaled other mountains before, this is the first time I attempted to summit Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak," DJ Tenzing said. "I have summited Lobuche twice, which stands at 6,119 meters."
"The beats resonating in the thin air of the world's highest mountain will bring forth a rallying call for action for a better and more sustainable future for the Himalayas," he hoped.
It's a proud moment for 8K Expeditions to run an exclusive expedition for a renowned DJ, said Lakpa Sherpa, expedition leader at 8K Expeditions.
Born in Solukhumbu, DJ Tenzing has been championing the cause of climate change awareness for over 12 years. Now residing in New York, he regularly returns to his roots to organize events that coincide with International Everest Day on May 29, aiming to promote both environmental awareness and tourism in the region.
"I have been working to raise awareness for the betterment of the Khumbu region for decades through music programs," DJ Tenzing said. "I have organized and participated in various events held in Namche Bazaar and hope that these programs will bring about a change for a better future."
Despite his achievements, DJ Tenzing's journey has not been without challenges. He has been striving to hold this high-altitude concert since 2009 but faced numerous hurdles. This year, after presenting extensive evidence and plans, he finally secured the necessary permissions from various agencies, including the Department of Tourism, Sagarmatha National Park, as well as local governments.
Before his Everest expedition, he received support from Nepal's Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, who also handed over Nepali flag and pledged government support for his endeavors.
DJ Tenzing's journey as a DJ began in 1992 at Club Jolly Blues in Thamel, Kathmandu. A pioneer in the field of disc jockeying, DJ Tenzing started his career when the profession was just emerging in Nepal, with limited professional equipment and DJ skills available. He later worked at X-Zone in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Rox Bar at Hyatt Regency, and Club Platinum at Hotel Yak and Yeti. Over the years, he has performed in more than 1,000 stage programs within Nepal and in over 30 different countries.
DJ Tenzing's efforts not only aim to set a new world record but also to inspire action towards preserving the natural beauty and lifestyle of the Himalayan region.
