From ‘Sadak Balak’ to PM Balen Shah

Balendra Shah, better known as Balen Shah, is Nepal’s rapper-turned-politician and now Prime Minister. A structural engineer by training, he first made waves underground as a socially conscious hip-hop artiste in the early 2010s, before leaping from the stage to Kathmandu’s mayoral office in 2022 and now to the nation’s top seat. His politically charged rap battles won him a passionate cult following among young voters, transforming beats into ballots and voices into a powerful movement. As mayor, he became the face and the voice of Nepali youth, who saw in him a counter to the politics of the day: raw, unfiltered and unapologetic. Some of his lyrics, which spoke of corruption, inequality and city life, turned him into a formidable force in the Nep-hop (Nepali hip-hop) movement.

Music that made a Mayor

• Battle-rap origins: Balen rose through competitive rap leagues like Raw Barz, where improvisation, wordplay and verbal sparring reign. The format honed his quick-fire delivery and combative style.
• Direct, confrontational flow: He favours blunt political commentary, firing punchlines and questions at leadersand institutions.
• Urban realism and local imagery: His early songs and music videos depict Kathmandu’s streets, neighbourhoods and youth struggles, making the city both setting and subject.
• Shift toward civic messaging: His later work moved from protest rap to themes of national pride and collective responsibility, reflecting his turn toward public life.

What is the Nep-hop scene?

• Nepali hip‑hop began as an underground import influenced by Western rap in the 1990s and early 2000s, later evolving into a distinct Nep-hop style rooted in local language and political themes.
• After Nepal’s 2006 civil war, hip-hop emerged as a key outlet for youth political and social commentary.
• YouTube and social media let artistes reach young audiences beyond mainstream media.
• Rap battle leagues in the country trained lyricists and built credibility.
• Figures such as Yama Buddha, Laure and Uniq Poet shaped the movement with Balen.
• In many ways, Balen’s trajectory traces the arc of Nep-hop itself: a subculture that began in rap battles and street studios but now echoes in the corridors of power.

From concert halls to cabinets

While Balen’s rise is unique, he is not the first leader to bring music into public life, as history shows politicians blending artistry with governance.

• Thomas Jefferson (3rd President of the US, 1801–1809): A passionate violinist who practised for hours daily.
• Harry S Truman (33rd President of the US, 1945–1953): Accomplished pianist who nearly pursued a professional career and often played at the White House.
• Ignacy Jan Paderewski (Former PM of Poland, 1919): World-famous virtuoso pianist and composer; served as Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the country.
• Richard Nixon (37th President of the US, 1969–1974): Self-taught pianist who composed his own piano concerto and performed on television.
• Helmut Schmidt (Former chancellor of West Germany, 1974–1982): ‘Piano-mad’ leader who recorded Mozart and Bach concertos to unwind.
• Ivo Josipović (Former President of Croatia, 2010–2015): Composer of over 50 chamber music works; maintained a professional music career while president.
• Anwar Ibrahim (PM of Malaysia, 2022–Present): Noted
• singer; viral video of him performing a Hindi classic highlighted his musical side.
• Keir Starmer (PM of the UK): Studied flute and piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in youth.
• Emmanuel Macron (President of France): Skilled pianist; earned a diploma at Amiens Conservatoire.
• Zohran Mamdani (Mayor of New York City): Former hip-hop artiste who released rap tracks under the name ‘Young Cardamom’ before entering politics.

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