Balen Shah, the mayor of Kathmandu and a former rapper, has become one of the most trusted figures among Nepal’s Generation Z. He has gained recognition for openly supporting youth-led protests against corruption and against the controversial social media ban. For many in the younger generation, his leadership represents the kind of authenticity and courage that they feel is lacking in traditional politics. The same Gen Z activists who previously forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli out of office now see Shah as someone who could lead the nation. His sweeping electoral victory in 2022 was not just a personal success but a larger symbol of generational change in Nepali politics.
During his years as a rapper, Shah was outspoken about the failures of the political class. In one of his songs, he described leaders as thieves who were looting and destroying the country. These bold lyrics resonated with young citizens frustrated by decades of stagnation and corruption. His political rise has since inspired many others to enter the political arena, believing that youth participation is essential for bringing genuine reform. The resignation of KP Sharma Oli, triggered by sustained Gen Z demonstrations, has only strengthened calls for Shah, now 35 years old, to assume national leadership.
Following the prime minister’s resignation, Shah used social media to address the protesters. He cautioned them against further destruction and unnecessary violence, reminding them that national resources belong to everyone. He urged the younger generation to maintain calm, show restraint, and take up the responsibility of guiding the country toward stability. His words were measured, yet they carried the weight of a leader who understands both the anger of the youth and the importance of constructive engagement.
Earlier, Shah had expressed his support for the demonstrations but refrained from participating directly, citing the age restrictions in place. On Facebook, he acknowledged that the protests were clearly a movement led by Gen Z and even admitted that, to them, he might appear older. Instead of speaking over them, he expressed a desire to understand their aspirations, objectives, and ways of thinking. This willingness to listen has strengthened his connection with young people who view him as approachable and sincere.
Unlike most mayors, whose influence rarely extends beyond their own municipalities, Shah has drawn national and international attention. His unconventional journey from rapper to mayor has captured the imagination of many. Time magazine included him in its list of the “Top 100 Personalities of 2023,” and global newspapers such as The New York Times have highlighted his story. Reflecting on his unusual path, Shah himself remarked that hip-hop is built on a culture of dissing politicians, and now he has become one of them.
Shah’s path to the mayoral office was anything but traditional. As a rapper, he performed on rooftops and used his music to call attention to poverty, corruption, and underdevelopment in Nepal. One of his songs, “Balidan” (Sacrifice), became an anthem for frustrated youth, gathering millions of views on YouTube. Beyond his music career, he is academically trained as a structural engineer and holds an MTech degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India. His campaign emphasized both his artistic background and his technical expertise, presenting him as someone practical, independent, and not bound by the hierarchies of political parties.
During his campaign, Shah became easily recognizable for his trademark style. He would wear a black blazer and jeans, pair them with square sunglasses, and proudly drape the Nepali flag across his shoulders. Even when complaints were lodged with the Election Commission accusing him of misusing the national flag, his popularity only grew. Young voters admired his defiance of conventions, seeing it as a reflection of their own hunger for leaders who reject political traditions without sacrificing authenticity.
Running as an independent candidate, Shah refused to join hands with Nepal’s dominant political parties. Despite being in his early thirties and having no previous political experience, he won by a landslide and defeated candidates from long-established political families. This victory was seen as proof that a new generation was ready to challenge the political elite and reshape the country’s political landscape.
For many young Nepalis, Shah embodies a rare combination of practicality, relatability, and courage. His leadership style and victory in 2022 gave rise to what is now called the “Balen effect.” This effect has gone far beyond Kathmandu, inspiring young professionals across Nepal to enter politics. Doctors, airline pilots, entrepreneurs, and even fellow hip-hop artists have contested elections, challenging a political system long dominated by older men accused of corruption and disconnection from the people.
In the 2022 elections, hundreds of young candidates contested parliamentary seats. A newly formed political party, created only weeks before the elections, quickly rose to become the fourth-largest in Parliament. Many analysts see these developments as a direct outcome of Shah’s influence. According to Bhim Upadhyaya, a former government secretary and early adviser to Shah, his rise is nothing short of a revolution against entrenched politicians.
Others who were part of this wave of new leaders agree. Toshima Karki, a 33-year-old doctor who won a parliamentary seat, credited Shah for demonstrating that change was possible. She explained that his success proved to young people that it was worth challenging long-standing systems of power. This sentiment has been echoed across the country, reinforcing the idea that the younger generation has both the energy and the ability to transform Nepali politics.
Nepal has struggled with instability for decades, from the fall of the Rana regime in the 1950s to the abolition of the monarchy and the insurgency led by Maoist rebels. In this historical context, Balen Shah’s emergence feels like a new chapter. His rise is more than symbolic; it marks the beginning of a movement driven by young people who are determined to demand accountability, reject corruption, and create a new political culture for Nepal.
