Balen Shah
Nepalese rapper, structural engineer and politician / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Balendra Shah (Nepali: बालेन्द्र शाह; born 27 April 1990), popularly known as Balen Shah or simply Balen, is a Nepalese rapper, Music Composer, Poet, structural engineer and politician. He is currently serving as the 15th mayor of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.[1][2]
Quick Facts MayorBalendra Shah, 15th Mayor of Kathmandu ...
Balendra Shah | |
---|---|
बालेन्द्र शाह | |
15th Mayor of Kathmandu | |
Assumed office 30 May 2022 | |
Deputy | Sunita Dangol |
Preceded by | Bidya Sundar Shakya |
Personal details | |
Born | (1990-04-27) 27 April 1990 (age 34) Naradevi-18, Kathmandu, Nepal |
Political party | Independent |
Spouse |
Sabina Kafle (m. 2018) |
Parents |
|
Alma mater | VTU (MTech) |
Profession | |
Musical career | |
Origin | Sinamangal–9, Kathmandu, Nepal |
Genres | |
Years active | 2012–present |
Labels | |
Website | balenformayor |
Close
Shah has been a popular figure in Nepalese hip-hop since the early 2010s. Shah announced his candidacy as an independent and was elected at the 2022 local election, defeating Nepali Congress candidate Sirjana Singh and CPN (UML) candidate Keshav Sthapit.[3][4][5] He is the first independent candidate to be elected as the mayor of Kathmandu municipality.[6]
Time included him on their list of "Time100 Next" in 2023.[7]