Balendra Shah Sworn in as Nepal's New Prime Minister

Fri Mar 27 2026 10:05:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Balendra Shah, a former rapper and prominent political figure, has been inaugurated as the prime minister of Nepal following significant electoral victories, promising change and reform.

Balendra Shah, known as Balen, has made history as the new prime minister of Nepal after an overpowering electoral success that resonated with a population frustrated by corruption and elite rule. His past as a rapper fueled a compelling political narrative that won over the youth, leading to his landmark rise from the underground music scene to the nation's top political office.

Balendra Shah Sworn in as Nepal's New Prime Minister

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 last year's youth-led protests.

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 harked 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. However, some question whether the four-year-old RSP can fulfill its ambitious promises.

The Rebellious Rapper

Shah was born in 1990 in Naradevi, Kathmandu, as the youngest son in his family. His father is an Ayurvedic practitioner, while his mother managed the household. He graduated with engineering degrees in Kathmandu and Karnataka.

Shah shot to fame in 2013 after winning a popular rap battle, with lyrics that captured the frustration of a generation. He went on to release popular songs addressing corruption and social inequality.

The Rise to Power

Shah's message resonated during last September's protests, which were ignited by anger against corruption and economic stagnation and ended with 77 fatalities. Protesters adopted his song 'Nepal Haseko' as their anthem.

Shah's campaign for Nepal's top office saw him bypass traditional media in favor of social media, where he promised sweeping reforms. The strategy proved effective, leading to the RSP's sweeping victory in the recent general elections.

Controversy and Challenges

Despite his success, Jag has a complicated history. As mayor, he received criticism for heavy-handed tactics against street vendors. He also stirred controversy with a provocative social media post that criticized various political entities.

Shah faces immense public expectations for change as he steps into office, tasked with addressing pressing issues, including economic challenges and public safety following recent civil unrest.

The new prime minister will need to navigate these challenges while fulfilling the lofty promises that brought him to power.