Nepal Welcomes Its New Prime Minister – Former Rapper Balendra Shah

Fri Mar 27 2026 09:55:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Balendra Shah, a former rapper turned politician, is inaugurated as Nepal's new Prime Minister following a decisive electoral victory. His rise represents a shift in the political landscape, resonating with a youth eager for change.

In a dramatic shift for Nepal's political landscape, Balendra Shah, known for his roots in the underground rap scene, has been sworn in as the country's new Prime Minister, following a historic election. His campaign promises, driven by anti-corruption sentiments and an appeal to the youth, were met with overwhelming support. Shah's previous role as Kathmandu's mayor highlighted his commitment to social issues, but he now faces significant challenges ahead.

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah has been sworn in as Nepal's prime minister after a landslide victory in the country's first election since the youth-led protests of last year.

The 35-year-old's rise marks an important shift in Nepali politics. His promise of change resonated with an electorate that was angry at corruption, nepotism and elite rule.

Before taking office on Friday, Shah, popularly known as Balen, released a song filled with optimism about Nepal's future. Undivided Nepali, this time history is being made, he rapped in a track that garnered more than two million views within hours of its release.

The song harks back to his roots in the underground rap scene, where he used music to call out corruption and other social problems in Nepal.

After just three years as mayor of the capital Kathmandu, Shah teamed up with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as its prime-ministerial candidate, scoring a decisive victory in general elections this month. His supporters see him as a symbol of change and a break from the failings of Nepal's old guard.

Shah was born in 1990 in Naradevi, Kathmandu, and is his parents' youngest son. His father is an Ayurvedic practitioner and his mother stayed at home to bring up the family. After leaving school, he graduated with engineering degrees in Kathmandu and later in southern India.

Shah came into the limelight after winning a popular rap battle in Nepal in 2013, which tapped into the frustrations of a generation. His songs, such as Balidan, have captivated audiences, with lyrics reflecting social grievances. As mayor, he was known for efforts focusing on urban renewal, environmental conservation, and an aggressive stance against corruption—though this was not without controversy.

Shah's message resonated during the mass protests last September against governmental restrictions on social media, where many used his song Nepal Haseko as an anthem for change. His campaign for Prime Minister was noted for its unconventional approach, leveraging social media effectively while largely avoiding conventional media scrutiny.

Despite his political ascent, Shah faces critical challenges, particularly in delivering on his ambitious pledges of economic reform and anti-corruption measures as he leads a party that is relatively new to power.