Counting of votes has begun following Thursday’s historic election in Nepal. Initial trends show the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former Kathmandu mayor and renowned rapper Balendra Shah, also known as Balen Shah, maintaining a strong lead. This is Nepal’s first general election held since the violent Gen-Z protests. Those protests not only ousted the previous government from power but also shook the entire political structure. Given current trends, it’s almost certain that the RSP will return to power with a landslide victory. Meanwhile, people are also discussing Balen Shah, a rapper-turned-politician. Once a voice for the people through his songs, we’ll tell you about the song that made him popular and opened doors for him in politics.
A song made him a star
Balen Shah’s rise in Nepali politics is nothing short of a film script. His journey from a famous rapper to a politician has been incredibly influential among Nepali youth. His music not only entertained but also gave voice to society’s deepest frustrations and anger against the system. His six-year-old rebellious song, “Balidan,” became a huge hit. The song has received over 12 million views on YouTube. You can find it on Balen’s YouTube channel as well as Spotify.
This song became very popular
The popularity of Balen Shah’s music has been driven by the themes of his songs. Released around 2020, his song “Balidan” directly attacks corruption, poverty, and political injustice. This sharp critique of the ruling class has garnered over 12 million views on YouTube, making him a popular figure among the Nepalese people.
Balen’s second successful song
Additionally, “Nepal Haseko” (Nepal is Smiling) became an anthem during the 2025 youth uprising, impacting over 10 million people. It remains Balen’s second most popular song. Before entering mainstream politics, Balen gained recognition in 2013 with the YouTube battle rap series “Raw Barge.” This platform established him as a rapper and voice of the oppressed in the Nepali underground hip-hop community. His other popular tracks, such as “Savage” and “Aam Nepali Buwa,” further cemented his popularity.
Balen Shah’s music reflects the frustration young people feel with traditional politics and the lack of development. This connection transformed him from a popular ‘nefop’ artist to an active, independent political leader. Today, he is not just a singer, but a symbol of systemic change.
