Balen drops video for 6 years old tune “Man Yo Udyo”

By Mannu Shahi 

Born on April 27, 1990, Balendra Shah a.k.a. Balen is a national hero, immensely cherished and loved particularly by Nepal's youth, esteeming his stance to uplift the socio-economic state of our country. A postgraduate of Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka who became the 15th Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Shah is also a rapper hustling in the underground Nep-hop community for over a decade while publishing independent music online via his social handles. 

His debut single “Sadak Balak” feat. Robin Gurung, a beat produced by Blueprint at Hakim ENT premiered on his YouTube channel in December 2012. The emcee published nearly eight follow-up singles but only managed to garner a decent audience post his participation in Raw Barz Season 2. Aired through SongsNepal’s YouTube channel in December 2013, the battle is the only episode Balen partook in where he was upheld against 

rapper Litl Grizl.

Since his 2015’s single “Nepal Haaseko,” the rapper started flourishing musically as his phrases appeared more intricate, and the finesse of audio production was also emphasized. A year later Balen released his collab “Man Yo Udyo” with Brijesh Shrestha (Ness Production) on audio and beat, the tune is the rapper’s transparent escalation from his old-school hip-hop flavors to a rather simple, accessible, and overall pop-ish aesthetics; even the direction, cinematography, color grading, and editing in the mv surpass caliber of his older material. 

After two years of hiatus, the rapper published “Marpha Ko Maridra” feat. Swachit Shakya on chorus vocals and Rohit Shakya on audio and beat; this love-infused R n’ B tune was Balen’s official entry into the generic mainstream hip-hop category. The same year he also dropped a collaboration with rappers Mc Flo and Uniq Poet on the tune “Gorkhali Toph” featuring DJ AJ on audio and beat. 

Although his career arc was on a 360 degrees exploration mode, the emcee’s 2020 entry “Balidan” with Nasty and Spark on audio production and the remixed chorus taken from the old Nepali movie of the same name was such a treat back to his authentic sonic palate. The rapper is on fire with his verses as socio-politics has always been the nucleus of most of his writings and the retro vibe of the chorus just packages everything in the right place and order. 

This was followed by his 15th single “Savage” (2020); “Sabai Lai Hataar Chha” feat. Rachana Dahal (2021); “Stay True” feat. 2FISTD, Vyoma & Dakait; and his 18th entry “Local Thito” (2021). 

And last Thursday, March 23, Balen released his first musical presentation since getting elected as the mayor of Kathmandu in May 2022. 

A retake of his older song “Man Yo Udyo” featuring Brijesh Shrestha on chorus vocals, audio, and music production, the tune is re-posted with a new video of the mayor enjoying his recent visit to London. In just a span of two days, the song is already #23 on trending for music according to the Nepal-moderated YouTube broadcast. 

The catchy pop tune showcases some of Balen’s most refreshing stanzas and Brijesh is splendid with his delightful arrangement and oscillating hooks. The video was shot and edited by Rabin Bharati. Fans unfamiliar with Balen’s discography are enthralled since perceiving such a catchy song coming straight from the city’s mayor himself. So, be sure not to miss out on 

this ear candy.