Alberto Juscamaita Gastelu

Biography

Alberto Juscamaita Gastelú, known locally as Raktako, was a renowned Peruvian guitarist, composer, and mentor from Ayacucho in the Andes region.[3] He became a legendary figure in the preservation and performance of traditional Huayno guitar music from the Cuzco and Ayacucho regions, with recordings documenting his work from the 1930s-1940s period.[2][3] Raktako dedicated his life to mastering and teaching the intricate Andean guitar styles, becoming an influential mentor to generations of guitarists who studied under his guidance in his home in Ayacucho.[3]

His legacy extends beyond his own performances through his role as a teacher and cultural custodian of traditional Andean music. Raktako represented a crucial link in the transmission of Huayno guitar traditions, an art form that blends Spanish guitar techniques with indigenous Quechuan musical sensibilities.[1] His mentorship shaped the development of contemporary Andean guitar music, most notably influencing Gustavo Yashimura-Arce, who studied intensively under him beginning in 2008 to learn songs and styles from across the Andes with particular focus on Ayacucho traditions.[1]

Fun Facts

• Raktako was known locally by this nickname, which became his primary identifier in musical circles and recordings.[3]
• His recordings from the 1930-1940 period were preserved and later released as 'Reminiscences of Raktako: Huayno Guitar from Cuzco and Ayacucho,' documenting early 20th-century Andean guitar traditions.[2][7]
• He mentored multiple generations of guitarists from his home in Ayacucho, establishing himself as a cultural custodian of traditional Huayno music.[3]
• His student Gustavo Yashimura-Arce sought him out specifically at age 80 in 2008, recognizing him as the ideal teacher for mastering authentic Andean guitar styles.[1]

Musical Connections

Artists Influenced

• Gustavo Yashimura-Arce - Raktako was Yashimura-Arce's primary teacher and guide in learning traditional Andean guitar styles. Under his mentorship, Yashimura-Arce learned songs and styles from across the Andes with focus on Ayacucho regional traditions. (Living Legend of the Ayacucho Guitar (2022)) [2008 onwards]

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)