By Blessing Nweke

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is set to be sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister following a decisive election win, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape after last year’s youth-led protests.

The 35 -year- old, widely known as Balen, rose to prominence in Nepal’s underground rap scene before transitioning into politics. His campaign message—focused on tackling corruption, nepotism and entrenched elite power—resonated strongly with voters frustrated by years of political stagnation.

Ahead of his swearing-in on Friday, Shah released a new rap song celebrating Nepal’s future, drawing millions of views within hours. The track reflects his roots as an artist who built his reputation criticising inequality and governance failures.

Shah’s victory comes less than three years after he was elected mayor of Kathmandu, where his tenure was marked by anti-corruption drives, urban clean-up efforts and controversial demolitions of illegal structures. His alliance with the Rastriya Swatantra Party propelled him to national power in the recent general election, delivering a landslide result that unseated established political figures, including former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in a key constituency.

Supporters view Shah as a symbol of generational change, especially after protests in 2025 left dozens dead and exposed deep public anger over unemployment and governance. His music, including protest anthems, became a rallying point during the unrest.

However, critics question whether Shah and his relatively new party have the experience to govern effectively. Rights groups have also raised concerns about his past use of enforcement measures against informal workers during his time as mayor.

As he takes office, Shah faces mounting expectations to deliver sweeping reforms, revive Nepal’s struggling economy, and address demands for accountability over last year’s deadly protests.

Original article
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