Awards and Recognitions:

• 2017: "Hijo Predilecto" (Favorite Son) Award by the City Council of La Paz, Bolivia

• 2017: "Chukuta de Oro" Merit Award by the Bolivian Parliament

• 2016: Recognition for 19 years of career, Commission for Indigenous Peoples and Plurinational Legislative Assembly of Bolivia

• 2015: Recognition for career achievements, Bolivian Chamber of Deputies

• 2012: First place in the Plurinational Rock Music Award, BoliviaPress Quotes
• "The band that mixes Bolivian rock and Sami chant ready for Mossagårdsfestivalen. ” – Sydsvenskan, 26 augusti 2020
• Atajo and Panchi Maldonado from Sweden “Pensar Culturas Live”
• "Exclusive from Sweden, the new Atajo by Panchi Maldonado." – Correo del ALBA, 18 juni 2021
• "Atajo is now ‘rocking’ European stages." – La Razón – La Revista, 6 september 2024
• "Panchi (Atajo) has always known where to aim." – La Razón/Escape, 16 juli 2023

Performances

Atajo has served as a distinguished cultural ambassador for Bolivia and, now based in Malmö, Sweden, continues to share its message of social justice and its unique fusion of rhythms on stages around the world. Their performances have reached audiences in countries such as Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Chile, Sweden, and Denmark.

The group has appeared on numerous notable stages across Latin America and Europe, including acclaimed festivals such as Bonnersommer (Germany), Suena Caracas (Venezuela), Festival for Peace (Spain), Hamnfestivalen and NGBG Festival in Malmö (Sweden), Varadouro Festival (Brazil), Welt Music Festival (the Netherlands), and Chukuta Fest (Bolivia).

Musically, Atajo has developed a distinctive language that goes beyond genres. Their sound blends rock, reggae, dub, and blues with Latin American rhythms such as cumbia, huayno, candombe, son, festejo, and Afro-Bolivian saya. This fusion reflects not only their sound but also their vision of music as an open territory where traditions, urban influences, and popular expressions coexist.

Throughout their career, Atajo has performed across Bolivia, Latin America, and Europe, reaching diverse audiences and building a strong live presence. They have shared stages with international artists such as Aterciopelados, Manu Chao, Cultura Profética, Molotov, Arturo Meza, Dame pa´matala, Café Tacvba, Facundo Cabral, Sargento García, among others, strengthening their connection to the global music scene.

BIO

ATAJO - Photo by ANJA RUFLI 1996

Photo by ATAJO 2025

Photo by Rolo "CHINO" 2025

Atajo was born in 1996 in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, as a project driven by the vision, artistic curiosity, and social commitment of Francisco “Panchi” Maldonado. From the very beginning, Atajo set out to be more than just a band: a space for free expression, a meeting point, and a direct path —a “shortcut”— to emotions, stories, and realities that often remain unseen.

Over the course of 30 years, celebrated in 2026, Atajo has built a strong and authentic trajectory within Latin American music. This journey has been shaped by constant evolution, artistic exploration, and collaboration. More than fifty musicians from Bolivia and different parts of the world have been part of the project, contributing their cultures, experiences, and perspectives, creating a deeply diverse and collective identity.

Beyond music, Atajo has always been a socially conscious and critical voice. The lyrics of Panchi Maldonado explore political, social, and human themes, reflecting complex realities with sensitivity and depth. This dimension makes Atajo not only an artistic project, but also a platform for reflection, awareness, and connection.

In recent years, following Panchi’s move to Sweden, Atajo has entered a new phase from Scandinavia. Now based in Malmö, the band continues to evolve by collaborating with musicians from different nationalities and adapting its sound to new cultural contexts. This process represents a natural expansion of its identity: bringing its music beyond its roots while never losing connection to them.

Today, as they celebrate three decades of history, Atajo remains in constant motion. Their music continues to be a space of encounter—a living experience that transforms with every performance. With the same essence that defined their beginnings and an open vision for the future, Atajo continues to explore new paths, new audiences, and new ways of sharing their art.

Because Atajo is more than a band: it is a way of living music, traveling the world, and connecting with people through stories, rhythms, and emotions.

Renzo Jaldín

CHARANGO, PERCUSSION & BACK VOCAL

Panchi Maldonado

LEAD VOCAL, GUITAR & COMPOSER

Dan Fridh

LEAD GUITAR

Daniel Karlsson

KEYBOARDS & BACK VOCALS

Mauricio picasso

BASS & BACK VOCALS

Linus Hansson

DRUMMER

MUSICIANS