Balen Shah

Balen Shah, also known as Balendra Shah, is a prominent Nepali rapper, structural engineer, and the current Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Rising to fame through Nepal’s underground hip-hop scene, especially via rap battles on the platform Raw Barz, Balen became a youth icon with his socially conscious lyrics and outspoken personality. In 2022, he entered politics as an independent candidate and won the mayoral election, defeating seasoned politicians from major parties. As mayor, he has been known for his bold and sometimes controversial decisions, especially in areas like urban development, waste management, and the removal of illegal structures. His direct and no-nonsense approach has earned both praise and criticism, making him one of the most talked-about public figures in Nepal today. Balen combines his technical expertise as a structural engineer with his passion for social reform, positioning himself as a symbol of change in Nepali politics.