From the Bronx in the US to the streets of Nepal, rap music has emerged as a powerful tool for driving social change. Last year, Nepal witnessed Gen Z protests where numerous rappers played a significant role in mobilizing the masses against the government’s social media ban. Among these influential figures is 35-year-old Balen Shah, a rapper and member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who is being touted as a potential future Prime Minister of Nepal.
Balen Shah, contesting against the former Prime Minister in the Jhapa-5 constituency, is garnering support from individuals like Rajesh Bhandari and Prabhat Basnet, both rappers and social media activists from Damak, Nepal. Bhandari, who has been using rap music for over 15 years to address political and social issues, believes in Balen’s leadership capabilities and vision for Nepal’s progress.
Rap music, known for its ability to convey messages effectively, has become a popular medium for expressing dissent and advocating change. Balen Shah’s supporters view him as a transformative leader with a track record of effective governance, citing his successful tenure as the mayor of Kathmandu. The global influence of rap music has also reached Nepal, where artists like Balen and his associates adapt its forms to address local issues and engage with the community.
