Amid political turmoil in Nepal following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a new wave of hope has emerged among the country’s younger generation. At the center of this movement is Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, the current mayor of Kathmandu and a former rapper who once voiced the frustrations of ordinary citizens through his music.
Shah’s unconventional journey into politics began outside government circles. Trained as a civil engineer, he later pursued a master’s degree in structural engineering from India’s Visvesvaraya Technological University. But before stepping into public office, he had already made a name for himself in Nepal’s underground hip-hop scene, where his lyrics took direct aim at corruption, inequality, and social injustice. His songs resonated with a youth population disillusioned by the country’s political establishment.
In 2022, Shah transitioned from protest artist to politician, contesting the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate. Defying party-backed rivals, he secured a landmark victory with over 61,000 votes, riding on a wave of grassroots support. Since then, his independent approach to governance and willingness to challenge political elites have cemented his reputation as a people’s leader.
The latest protests in Nepal, sparked by the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, have further boosted Shah’s popularity. As young demonstrators filled the streets, he openly expressed solidarity with their cause. “The rally is clearly a spontaneous movement of Gen Z, for whom even I may seem old. I want to understand their aspirations, objectives, and thinking,” Shah wrote in a public statement, while warning against established political actors trying to exploit the movement.
For many young Nepalis, Shah represents the possibility of a leader untainted by personal gain and partisan politics. Social media is now flooded with calls urging him to take charge of the nation’s leadership. Posts reading “Balen for PM” and “Dear Balen, Take LEAD now or Never. Nepal is behind you” have gone viral, highlighting a generational push for change.
Married to Sabina Kafle, Shah’s personal life remains largely private, but his public image continues to grow as that of a reformist leader who embodies Gen Z’s demand for honesty, accountability, and action in governance. Whether or not he steps into the role of prime minister, Balendra Shah has already become a powerful symbol of political renewal in Nepal.
