Nepal's future prime minister uses rap to call for unity in first post-election message

Nepal’s rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who is about to be sworn in as prime minister, has issued his first post-election message in the form of a rap urging unity.

Hours before the release, he was sworn in as a newly elected lawmaker, and will become the Himalayan republic’s new prime minister on Friday.

“The power of unity is my national strength,” Shah, better known as Balen, rapped in Nepali. “Undivided Nepalese, this time history is made.”

The video racked up tens of thousands of views within minutes of its release on social media and streaming sites.

The sharply dressed 35-year-old, who usually wears dark sunglasses, has emerged as a symbol of youth-driven political change.

Shah has remained silent in public since his Rastriya Swatantra party won the election on March 5 in a landslide.

It was the first election since a deadly youth-led uprising toppled the government in September 2025. At least 77 people have been killed in the anti-corruption uprising, which began over a brief social media ban and tapped into lingering anger over economic hardship.

“My heart is full of courage, my red blood boils; my brothers stand with me, this time we will stand up,” Shah snapped over a video of him campaigning for election. “May I not run out of breath, I will run like a leopard.”

Soon after the song was released, the outgoing interim prime minister bid farewell to the nation in a televised broadcast.

Sushila Karki (73), a former chief justice who led the caretaker administration for six months, said the country’s future lay in the hands of a younger generation.

“I am confident that the new government that will be formed under the leadership of the youth will work to end corruption in the country, establish good governance, create jobs in the country, economic development and social justice,” she said.

“I look forward to the bright future of this country with full confidence – where our unity, honesty and the hard work of every citizen will write a new history,” she added.

Karki, who ordered an inquiry into the crackdown on protesters, said in his statement that a report containing the findings would be released. She gave no further details.

At least 19 young people died in a crackdown on the first day of protests. No one has been found guilty in connection with the deaths.