Rancho Aparte was founded by charismatic singer/composer Dino Manuelle, together with a group of musician friends, to take the chirimía sound beyond Chocó, bringing the music to national and international audiences. Today the group consists of Dino Manuelle (vocals), Dyam Palacios and Emer Davila (chimiria), Fredy Cañandas (euphonium), Rodian Rivas (percussion), Rodolfo Romaña (percussion), and Ronal Campaña (cymbals). The group takes its name from a local slang phrase, “hacer rancho aparte,” which roughly translates as “to set up on one’s own”—reflecting their desire to put their own stamp on this music while preserving and respecting its complicated legacy. Live, Rancho Aparte is a first-tier party band, drawing on not only traditional music, but also on all the music they grew up listening to, embracing the swagger and dynamism of salsa, hip hop, and reggaeton in an omnivorous sound they call “funky punk chirimía.”