Balendra Shah’s political rise: From rapper to Nepal’s next Prime Minister

Six months after youth-led protests in Nepal ousted the government, voters have elected 35-year-old Balendra Shah. After defeating former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, the former Kathmandu mayor is now poised to lead the country. Listen to a report on how the rapper-turned-politician rose to power.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) election candidate and Kathmandu's former mayor Balendra Shah addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Janakpur on January 19, 2026. Source: AFP / SUMIT MISHRA/AFP

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