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Jaime Guardia, born in 1933 in Pauza, in the Ayacucho region of Peru, is one of the greatest performers of Peruvian Andean music. A master of the charango, a string instrument emblematic of The Andes, he played a key role in preserving and promoting traditional Andean music both nationally and internationally. His career spanned over five decades, during which he became a fundamental figure in Peruvian folklore.
Jaime Guardia was born in a region deeply rooted in Andean culture, which strongly influenced his musical journey. From a young age, he showed an interest in the traditional music of his region, and by the age of nine, he began learning to play the charango. This instrument became his musical signature throughout his career.
In the 1950s, he began performing with other musicians and recording his first compositions. His recordings reflect the musical traditions of The Andes, particularly the huayno and the yaraví, genres that evoke the culture, land, and struggles of the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian highlands.
Jaime Guardia gained national recognition for his mastery of the charango, becoming an ambassador of Andean music. His performances and compositions contributed to the revitalization of Peruvian folklore at a time when these musical traditions were threatened by urbanization and modernization. Thanks to his efforts, Andean music reached a new audience both in Peru and abroad.
He also formed the famous group Lira Paucina, with whom he recorded several albums that have become landmarks of Peruvian folklore. Jaime Guardia performed in many countries, sharing the richness of Andean culture with international audiences, and he was invited to numerous folk music festivals around the world.
Throughout his career, Jaime Guardia was not only an exceptional musician but also a passionate advocate for preserving Andean culture. He taught traditional music to many generations of musicians, ensuring the transmission of musical traditions to young Peruvian artists.
His commitment to Andean culture went beyond the music scene. He worked with researchers, musicologists, and cultural institutions to document and preserve the musical traditions of The Andes. As both an artist and educator, he played an essential role in the valorization of Peru's cultural heritage.
Jaime Guardia passed away in 2018, leaving behind an invaluable musical legacy. His work helped elevate Andean music to a level of national and international recognition, and his recordings continue to inspire new artists. His contribution to traditional Andean music makes him one of the most respected figures in Peruvian folklore.
As a master of the charango, Jaime Guardia showed the world the beauty and depth of Andean music while remaining true to his cultural roots. Today, he is recognized as one of the greatest ambassadors of Peruvian music, and his influence continues to resonate in the contemporary folk music scene.