Conjunto Rumbavana was founded in Havana, Cuba, in the mid-1950s, with historical sources citing its establishment in 1955 by director Ricardo Ferro, or in 1956. Originally formed as a traditional Cuban conjunto, the group quickly gained popularity through regular appearances on radio and television, as well as performing at dance venues across the island. The ensemble's early period is best remembered for the prominent lead vocals of Raúl Planas and Orestes Macías.
A significant shift in the group's trajectory occurred in 1967 when pianist Joseíto González joined, beginning a highly influential 20-year tenure as Rumbavana's primary creative contributor. During the 1970s, the band recorded extensively for Areíto, the Havana-based label owned by EGREM. Music historians recognize the band's work during this decade as highly relevant to the development of the "roots of timba."
Rumbavana's legacy in Cuban salsa and timba is represented in contemporary distributions, which include the live performance albums "Kapital (En Vivo)" and "Tropicana (En Vivo)," both released in 2020, as well as the album "Pa Que Lo Goces Con Ganas."
