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Rapper-turned-politician takes Nepal's top office
Balendra Shah, known as Balen, was sworn in as Nepal's prime minister on Friday following a decisive victory in this month's general elections. The 35-year-old's ascent marks a dramatic shift in Nepali politics, driven by public frustration with corruption and elite rule.
From underground rap to political stardom
Shah's rise began in Kathmandu's underground rap scene, where his lyrics critiqued corruption and social inequality. His 2013 victory in a national rap battle catapulted him to fame, with tracks like Balidan-which has over 14 million YouTube views-highlighting economic disparities and government mismanagement.
His signature style-black sunglasses, blazer, and sharp verses-became synonymous with youth disillusionment. One lyric from Balidan resonated widely: "While we sell our identity abroad, government employees earn 30,000 rupees yet own properties in 30 places. Who will repay the debt of those toiling overseas?"
Mayoral success and controversy
In 2022, Shah won Kathmandu's mayoral race as an independent, defeating entrenched political parties. His tenure focused on urban cleanup, heritage preservation, and anti-corruption efforts, including demolishing illegal structures to ease traffic congestion. While praised for revitalizing the city, his heavy-handed tactics-such as police crackdowns on street vendors-drew criticism from rights groups.
"We hope as prime minister, there would be a focus on a more rules-based order."
Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch
Election triumph and bold promises
Shah's campaign for prime minister leveraged social media over traditional interviews, pledging to create 1.2 million jobs, reform the judiciary, and root out corruption. His strategy paid off: the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which he joined in January, won a landslide on March 5, unseating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in his longtime stronghold.
Days before his swearing-in, Shah released a song, Undivided Nepali, which amassed over 2 million views within hours. The track's lyrics-"This time, history is being made"-echoed the optimism of his supporters, many of whom adopted his 2023 hit Nepal Haseko (Smiling Nepal) as an anthem during last September's deadly protests.
Challenges ahead
Shah's victory reflects widespread demand for change, but his party's inexperience and Nepal's economic struggles pose hurdles. Key issues include chronic unemployment, reliance on remittances from Nepali workers in the Middle East, and fallout from the 2025 youth-led protests that left 77 dead. A government commission recently recommended prosecuting ex-PM Oli for his role in the unrest, though the RSP must now decide how to proceed.
Critics also point to Shah's past controversies, including a since-deleted expletive-laden Facebook post targeting foreign governments and Nepali parties. His avoidance of media scrutiny during the campaign has fueled skepticism about his governance style.
What's next
Shah's administration faces pressure to deliver on ambitious promises while navigating Nepal's complex political landscape. His ability to balance reform with stability will determine whether his unconventional leadership can transform the country's fortunes.
