A rap star could defeat an ex-prime minister—what this reveals about Nepal’s Gen Z election. One day ago. Azadeh Moshiri, correspondent for South Asia, Kathmandu. The text has already been paraphrased as it is a proper noun and does not require any changes. At a campaign rally in Nepal’s Chitwan district, rap music blasted around us as supporters of 403-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah shouted lyrics from an AI-generated campaign song that translates to: “Time’s up, fake leaders, game over.” We will ring the bell on March 5th. People of all ages in the crowd were chanting “Balen,” the name he’s known by in Nepal. Giant banners featuring the political newcomer in his signature black sunglasses hung across the rally. Balen Shah, after just three years as mayor of Kathmandu, is now running for prime minister. He is competing in a pivotal contest pitting Nepal’s established political elite against a fresh crop of politicians.
