Mar 09, 2026 12:39 pm IST

Opinion | Can A Gen Z-Influencer-Rapper PM Really 'Change' Nepal?

Observers say it's high time the former mayor evolved and grew, as well as became more mature, diplomatic and friendly with journalists, opponents and, most importantly, friendly neighbours like India and China.

Surendra Phuyal Surendra Phuyal

Young and well-dressed, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, was first noticed in Nepal's rap battles in the 2010s. By 2020, just two years before the Karnataka-educated structural engineer fought election to become Kathmandu mayor, his rap song, Balidan, filled with sharp attacks and disses against Nepal's leaders, had become a big hit among Nepali rap and hip-hop lovers. No wonder it has already attracted over 12 million views. 

In the spring of 2022, his fame - plus his commitment to ensure good governance and reforms in the Nepali capital city - helped him win Kathmandu's mayoral election with a landslide vote. Soon, heeding Kathmandu valley traffic police's plea to clear the city's roads of encroachments, he mobilised bulldozers to do so and even visited some of the sites, winning many hearts and minds. 

There was no stopping the 35-year-old rapper-turned-mayor. In September 2024, he firmly backed young Gen Z protesters protesting against rampant corruption, nepotism and elitism and rallying for a better, more liveable Nepal. Communicating through posts on Facebook and X, as he often did, he nudged the youngsters to keep going. 

To his delight, Balen Shah's 2024 song, Ma Nepal Hasenko Herna Chahanchhu ("I want to see Nepal smiling"), became an anthem of the Gen Z protesters nationwide. As major landmarks, such as Singha Durbar and Parliament building burned, and top leaders, including then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, scrambled for cover and safety, the Nepali Army was compelled to approach Shah to write social........

© NDTV