Nepal appoints former rapper as its new Prime Minister

Former rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah took oath as Nepal Prime Minister after securing a landslide win in the country’s first election since last year’s youth-led protests. His victory signals a major political shift, as voters rejected traditional elites and backed his promise of reform. Many citizens, frustrated with corruption and nepotism, rallied behind his call for change and accountability.

Before assuming office, Shah—popularly known as Balen—released a rap song expressing optimism about Nepal’s future. The track quickly gained millions of views and reflected his roots in the underground music scene. Through his music, he has consistently highlighted corruption and social inequality, building a strong connection with the younger generation.

After serving as mayor of Kathmandu for three years, Shah joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party as its prime ministerial candidate. The party achieved a decisive victory in the general elections, reshaping Nepal’s political landscape. While supporters see him as a symbol of transformation, critics question whether the relatively new party can fulfill its ambitious promises.

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Balendra Shah’s victory marks a new era in Nepal politics.

Born in Naradevi, Kathmandu, in 1990, Shah pursued engineering studies in Nepal and India before rising to fame through rap. He gained national attention in 2013 after winning a major rap battle, where his lyrics reflected public frustration. Over the years, he released several popular songs criticizing corruption, with tracks like “Balidan” gaining widespread recognition online.

Shah entered politics in 2022 when he won Kathmandu’s mayoral election as an independent candidate, defeating long-established parties. During his tenure, he launched initiatives to clean the city, preserve cultural heritage, and tackle corruption. However, his strict actions, including demolishing illegal structures, sparked both praise and criticism from different sections of society.

His influence grew further during the youth protests last year, where his message strongly resonated with demonstrators. Protesters even adopted his song “Nepal Haseko” as an anthem, amplifying his popularity nationwide. Shah continued to engage voters through social media during his campaign, promising anti-corruption reforms, job creation, and improvements in governance.

Despite his rapid rise, Shah faces significant challenges as Prime Minister. Critics have raised concerns over his past actions as mayor and his confrontational social media posts. Along with his party, he must address economic issues, unemployment, and public demands for accountability, while meeting the high expectations of citizens eager for meaningful change.

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