Jaime Gamboa author page

Jaime Gamboa biography

Jaime Gamboa (born 1964) is a Costa Rican musician, writer and communicator best known as a founding member and bassist of the band Malpaís. Trained in literature and linguistics, he has written lyrics for the group while maintaining a parallel career as an author for children and young people.

Gamboa began publishing children’s books in 2010. His early titles include La risa contagiosa (2010) and El cuento fantasma (2012), the latter recognised by the Fundación Cuatrogatos and recommended by the UK project Reading the Way (Outside In World). Further works followed with regional themes and musical motifs, among them Corazón de marimba (Amanuense Prize, 2013) and Alma del mar (2016), which was selected for the International Youth Library’s White Ravens catalogue. His stories have been published in more than twenty countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Alongside picture books and story collections, Gamboa has contributed science and culture titles for general readers, and continues to write and perform with Malpaís. He has also worked as a publicist and presenter, and is active in cultural initiatives that promote Costa Rican music and literature.

Recognition for his artistic output includes being named a La Nación “Personality of the Year in Culture” in 2005, reflecting his combined impact as songwriter, performer and author.