Nepal’s PM-to-be 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 swore an oath as a newly elected lawmaker, and he is due to become the Himalayan republic’s new prime minister on Friday.“The strength of unity is my national power,” Shah, better known as Balen, rapped in Nepali. “Undivided Nepali, this time history is being 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 sports dark sunglasses, has emerged as a symbol of youth-driven political change.Shah had remained silent publicly since his Rastriya Swatantra Party won the 5 March election in a landslide.It was the first election since a deadly youth-led uprising in September 2025 toppled the government. At least 77 people were killed in the anti-corruption uprising, which began over a brief social media ban and tapped into longstanding fury over economic hardship.“My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise,” Shah rapped over a video of him campaigning for election. “May my breath not run out, I will run like a leopard.”Shortly 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 had 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 to be formed under the leadership of the youth will work towards ending corruption in the country, establishing good governance, creating jobs within the country, economic development and social justice,” she said.“I am looking 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 had ordered an investigation into the crackdown on protesters, said in her statement that a report with the findings would be released. She did not give further details.At least 19 young people were killed in a crackdown on the first day of protests. No one has been convicted in relation to the deaths.