A rap video of Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah – popularly known as Balen – is gaining traction on the internet, but it’s not his first message after taking office as first thought.
The video was released nearly 20 hours before Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister, instead posting it as a pre-swearing-in message reflecting his political message before taking power.
Shah mixes his rapping background with themes of unity and national responsibility in the track. “The strength of unity is my national strength… Undivided Nepal, this time history is being made,” he says, calling the moment a turning point for the country.
Report before taking over
The timing of the release is significant. The rap, which ended just hours before his swearing-in, appears to serve as a bridge between Shah’s identity as an artist and his new role as the country’s top political leader.
Rather than a formal speech delivered upon taking office, the video functions as a statement of intent – laying out themes that are likely to define his leadership, including unity, resilience and collective action. The Guardian reported.
In the next sentence, he underlines the determination: “My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling…this time we will rise.”
From artist to prime minister
Shah’s rise to power marks an unconventional political path. Before entering politics, he was widely recognized in the Nepali music scene, especially among the younger audience.
His move into mainstream politics – and eventual elevation to prime minister – signals a wider shift in Nepal’s political scene, where youth-led movements have played a decisive role.
Background of political unrest
Shah takes office at a time of significant political upheaval. His party won a decisive mandate in the March 5 election, the first since Nepal’s 2025 anti-corruption protests that brought down the previous government.
The protests, led mostly by young citizens, began over a brief social media ban but quickly escalated into a nationwide anti-corruption movement. At least 77 people were killed during the unrest, 19 of them in the first day. No convictions have yet been reported in connection with these deaths.
In this context, Shah’s emphasis on unity appears to be aimed at addressing the fractured political climate while signaling a reset in governance.
Leadership transition
Outgoing caretaker prime minister Sushila Karki, who led the caretaker administration for six months, expressed confidence in the incoming leadership in her farewell speech.
She emphasized priorities such as fighting corruption, ensuring proper governance, creating jobs and promoting economic development. Karki also said the findings of the investigation into the crackdown on protesters would be made public, although no timetable was set.
