The rise of 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, reflects the aspirations of Nepal’s youth who demanded an end to corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance
Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah (Balen) and his Rastriya Swatantra Party are heading towards a sweeping victory in Nepal’s general elections, breaking the dominance of traditional parties. Riding on the momentum of last year’s Gen Z protests against corruption and political instability, the 35-year-old leader is now poised to become Nepal’s next Prime Minister