RAPublic: Nep-hop roots behind Nepal's Prime Minister Elect Balen Shah
On a grainy YouTube video from the early 2010s, a young rapper steps into a Raw Barz cypher, trading sharp lines with rivals as the crowd leans closer. This rapper is Balen Shah, years before Kathmandu would elect him mayor and long before he would become Nepal’s next prime minister.
Shah first gained attention through Raw Barz, Nepal’s best known rap battle platform at the time. The series captured the growing Nep-hop movement through crowded rooms, improvised stages and viral YouTube uploads where rappers competed through wit, wordplay and social commentary. For many young Nepalis, these battles became a new language for discussing corruption, inequality and the frustrations of urban life.
The scene was already being shaped by one of its most influential figures, Yama Buddha, widely known as the King of Nep-Hop. His storytelling approach expanded the genre beyond battle rap and helped bring Nepali hip-hop into the mainstream. Songs such as Saathi spoke openly about friendship, addiction and the pressures facing urban youth, giving Nep-hop an emotional depth that resonated across the country.
Shah’s own music emerged from that same landscape. In Balidan he rapped about sacrifice and civic responsibility, presenting social change as something that demanded personal commitment. The track travelled widely online and gradually became associated with his public image. His songs captured the restless energy of Kathmandu’s streets, echoing the experiences of young listeners navigating ambition, uncertainty and city life.
By the time Shah entered electoral politics, he was already familiar to a generation raised on Nep-hop. His victory as Kathmandu’s mayor in 2022 reflected that connection. His election as Nepal’s prime minister extends the same story further, placing a former rap battle artist at the centre of the country’s leadership.
As Madhesi voices and Nep-hop continue to grow, what new rhythms and stories will shape the next chapter of Nepal’s hip-hop scene?
Comments
Frances Tony — 2 days ago
I thought the physicians says there is no cure for HSV 2!!! I am telling you today that DR.UMA cure HSV 2 with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible, I have been suffering for this deadly disease called HSV 2 for more than 2years and I lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for HSV 2. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how DR.UMA cure HSV, Hapatitis etc with his herbal medication and an email and watsapp to contact him was also displayed, I thought this was a joke but I decided to contact him and he replied telling me not to worry that my problem is over . DR.UMA sent me a herbal medication to drink for one month but only 2weeks I feel strange and I went to my doctor and he confirmed me negative. He can help you too. Contact him via email…dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com WhatsApp +2347035619585. He is capable of curing AUTISM, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, HEPATITIS A B C, and DIABETES.
Susan Henry — 4 days ago
I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL TO YOU DR Herry FOR WHAT YOU DONE FOR ME, I WIN POWERBALL LOTTERY Hi, I’m William Smith, living in Dallas,Texas. I came across many testimonies on net testifying of DR. Herry a voodoo spell caster that will help you cast a LOTTERY spell and give you the rightful numbers to win the lottery, i didn’t believe it, at first but as life got badder i decided to take a try, now my try has made me a million dollars, i have been playing all types of lottery since 2 years now but i have not win up to $30,000, after contacting DR. Herry cast the lottery spell and gave me the hot figures. Behold, I won $230,000,000,00. Now I am a living testimony of the good work of DR HERRY. A gifted man with great powers, it is my secret but I decided to make the world aware of it as it might be a help to any one who is interested, this happened last week,you are free to contact DR. Herry via Email: drherry189@gmail.comalso or contact his whatsapp Message Dr Herry on WhatsApp. https://wa.me/message/3C6ZDDGHSXBAE1
Wissy Bella — 5 days ago
Does anyone still doubt natural herbs? I’ve seen the great importance of natural herbs and the wonderful work they have done in people’s lives. I wonder why people still spend their money on surgery, injections and drugs each time they are sick. Natural herbs can cure all kinds of illnesses including Herpes, Diabetics, Asthma, HIV, Hepatitis, Etc. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I was cured of (Hepatitis B) and my Sister and her Husband were cured of (Herpes Virus) by Dr Lucky who uses natural herbs to cure different kinds of illness. Even Dr Lucky proved to the whole world that natural herbs can cure all diseases and he cured countless people using natural herbs. I know it is hard to believe but I am a living testimony. There is no harm in trying herbs. Trust the process ( Contact Dr Lucky on his Email Address:’ ( drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com ) or WhatsApp him no: ( +2347071651140 ) And his also on facebook, so Follow, Like and Comment:. https://www.facebook.com/remedyforherpes Thanks 😘
Wissy Bella — 5 days ago
Does anyone still doubt natural herbs? I’ve seen the great importance of natural herbs and the wonderful work they have done in people’s lives. I wonder why people still spend their money on surgery, injections and drugs each time they are sick. Natural herbs can cure all kinds of illnesses including Herpes, Diabetics, Asthma, HIV, Hepatitis, Etc. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I was cured of (Hepatitis B) and my Sister and her Husband were cured of (Herpes Virus) by Dr Lucky who uses natural herbs to cure different kinds of illness. Even Dr Lucky proved to the whole world that natural herbs can cure all diseases and he cured countless people using natural herbs. I know it is hard to believe but I am a living testimony. There is no harm in trying herbs. Trust the process ( Contact Dr Lucky on his Email Address:’ ( drluckyherbalcure@gmail.com ) or WhatsApp him no: ( +2347071651140 ) And his also on facebook, so Follow, Like and Comment:. https://www.facebook.com/remedyforherpes Thanks 😘
Olivia Richardson — 5 days ago
Today, I decided to speak out publicly online to share the story of my happiness and tell how I found hope again after a very difficult period in my life. Two years ago, my wonderful relationship with my husband fell apart one of the most painful experiences I have ever had to endure. For a long time, I tried various ways to save our relationship, but unfortunately, my efforts were unsuccessful. I felt disheartened and wondered if there was any hope at all of winning my relationship back. Everything changed when I came across a testimonial online about Priest Alaska. The positive experiences described there encouraged me to reach out and seek his advice. I sent him an email, and after communicating with him, I regained hope. I am grateful that I took that step. Today, I am happier and look toward my relationship and the future with confidence. My experience has taught me that one should not give up hope, even when things seem impossible. If you, too, are facing relationship problems and would like to learn more about Priest Alaska, you can contact him at alaskaspellcaster44@gmail.com or visit his website: https://dralaskaspellcaster.mystrikingly.com.
Gary Van — 12 days ago
Hello everyone am Gary Van I want to use this medium to appreciate a great spell caster called Dr Ogaga that transformed my life financially, I used to work as driver in a company and I always play lotto but I have never been lucky, then one day as I was glancing through the Internet I came across a testimony of a woman who won $600million through the help of a strong spell caster called Dr Ogaga after praying for her he gave her a lucky numbers to play and she won 600,000,000$ I also decided to try my luck I contacted the Dr Ogaga and he promise he was going to help me win too I didn’t actually believed 100% but on the second thought I decided to give it a try He instructed me on what I need to do which I did with no stress at all, then after two day he sent me some numbers and asked me to go and play them I went strait to the store and play the numbers then I went back to check when the results were out, behold my numbers came out as the winning numbers it was like a dream to me, even till now I still fined it difficult to believe that I am now a millionaire from being a driver to being a millionaire all thank to Dr Ogaga I will never forget your help, if you are out there and you also want to be a winner I will advice you to also contact Dr Ogaga and I promise you he will not disappoint you at all. Here are his contacts. Email ogagaodia41@gmail.com
WhatsApp +1(365)350-5955.
Merel Chiassonam — 13 days ago
I have been a crab fisherman for 40 years. I started working at a local fish plant a few years ago. I love playing lotto bets, so I buy lotto tickets often but find it difficult to win. I read about Lord Bubuza’s lottery spells on the internet, so I contacted him for help to win Lotto 649. He told me that he would need to cast a lotto spell so that he can reveal the lotto numbers I will choose. I was sceptical, but my wife Nancy told me to give it a try. I provided his requirements to cast the lotto spells, and he gave me the numbers. I bought a Lotto 649 ticket and played as Lord Bubuza instructed, to my surprise it was a big win. I won $64,000,000. My partner Nancy and I travelled to the Atlantic Lottery in Moncton to confirm the win and collect the prize. I will retire from my crab fishing with this win and continue to recommend lord Bubuza. Join me and appreciate Lord Bubuza for his help via Email: lordbubuzamiraclework@hotmail.com or WhatsApp: +1 (365) 808 5313 ..!!!
Merel Chiassonam — 13 days ago
I have been a crab fisherman for 40 years. I started working at a local fish plant a few years ago. I love playing lotto bets, so I buy lotto tickets often but find it difficult to win. I read about Lord Bubuza’s lottery spells on the internet, so I contacted him for help to win Lotto 649. He told me that he would need to cast a lotto spell so that he can reveal the lotto numbers I will choose. I was sceptical, but my wife Nancy told me to give it a try. I provided his requirements to cast the lotto spells, and he gave me the numbers. I bought a Lotto 649 ticket and played as Lord Bubuza instructed, to my surprise it was a big win. I won $64,000,000. My partner Nancy and I travelled to the Atlantic Lottery in Moncton to confirm the win and collect the prize. I will retire from my crab fishing with this win and continue to recommend lord Bubuza. Join me and appreciate Lord Bubuza for his help via Email: lordbubuzamiraclework@hotmail.com or WhatsApp: +1 (365) 808 5313 …!!