KATHMANDU, March 26: On the eve of his swearing-in as Nepal’s Prime Minister, Balen Shah returned to a familiar stage—not a political one, but a musical one. The hip-hop artist-turned-politician on Thursday released his new track “Jai Mahakali” on YouTube, offering a blend of symbolism, sentiment and strategy at a pivotal political moment.
The release comes just a day before he is set to take office, adding a cultural dimension to an already historic transition. Endorsed as Parliamentary Party (PP) leader by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) only hours earlier, Balen appears to be signalling that his political journey will not be detached from his artistic roots.
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The song, originally recorded over a decade ago and now remastered with fresh visuals, features scenes from his election campaign. But beyond its production, the message is what stands out. Steeped in themes of national unity and patriotism, “Jai Mahakali” evokes a strong sense of nationalism while seeking to instill hope among a public weary of political instability and looming economic hardships amid growing tension in the Middle East. It also attempts to revive a fading sense of pride in being Nepali.
Sources close to Balen say this is only the beginning. Two more songs—“Maya Chha” and “Sabaailai Hatar Chha”—are expected to be released soon, reinforcing his intent to continue engaging with the public through music even as he steps into the country’s highest executive office.
At 36, the former Kathmandu mayor is poised to become Nepal’s youngest prime minister. Yet, even as he prepares to lead the government, Balen seems keen to retain the voice that first earned him a following—one that speaks not just through policy, but through rhythm and rhyme to a generation searching for change.
Listen to his track here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yse0H0mXEuQ
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