Rafael Espinel, lead singer for Brussels-based La Chiva Gantiva, shares with us the origins and development of the band’s unique taken on Colombian music.

The seven-member band, spearheaded by three Colombian percussionists, sings in Spanish and French and in a highly energetic, jazzy and funk-full manner explores a wide variety traditional Afro Colombian grooves.

Like their namesake – the “chivas”, colorful buses used in rural areas, the band’s grooves come in hues of many textures and colors with just the right energy to transport you somewhere between Colombia and Europe.

La Chiva Gantiva will perform at Old Town School of Folk Music on March 17.