Image credit: StimpsonJCat
So that you become independent in your own search for the Rumba, I thought that I would offer several links to get you started.
The Cuban Rumba Box
In this book, Jorge Luis Santo offers a brief history of the Cuban Rumba.
Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of the Two Congos
Rumba on the River by Gary Stewart offers a nice historical background on the music and the musicians who played a role in shaping its future. This link is offers a really nice breakdown of the musicians featured in the book.
Les Bantous de la Capitale étaient à Marseille ce 28 mars 09
More about Les Bantous de la Capitale.
In Memoriam Jean-Serge Essous
This post on World Service gives some background to one of the founders of Les Bantous de la Capitale, Jean-Serge Essous.
The Earliest Recording of Cuban Rumba: A Comprehensive Summary
Barry Cox offers a nice summary of his research into the Cuban rumba. Video and audio included 
Rumba: Dance and Social Change in Contemporary Cuba
In this brief introduction of the book, Yvonne Daniel gives her opinion of impact and history of the rumba in Cuba.
Rumba in the Jungle
This article offers an interesting mix of the music and politics
Cuba and the Congo Combine Forces Musically
I will leave you with this beautiful collaboration of Papa Noel and Papi Oviedo.
Here’s a review from the BBC:
And it’s the guitar work which is truly astounding on this album, particularly on the second track, ‘Kin Havane’, where each master guitar solo washes over you like the waves along Havana’s Malecon. Then there’s the high soulful sound of Papa Noel’s voice which would soften the hardest heart, particularly on the plaintive ‘Juliana’. Again, the solo guitar sequence which opens this love song is simply superb.
Right from the opening title track, ‘Bana Congo’, the African backing vocals set an earthy tone and pace. The song pays tribute to Papa Noel’s country and culture.
