Gilles Peterson, along with his old friend Ade Egun Crispin Robinson, guides the audience through rumba's continued significance in a country where a carefully preserved past has long sat side-by-side with innovation. The history of rumba, inextricably tied up with the slave trade, uniquely intertwines West African and Iberian musical styles. With roots in the Congo, Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon, different African religious institutions such as Ifa, Ekpe and Nkisi were remade in Cuba as Lukumi (Santeria), Palo, Abakua and Arara. The film draws together religious and social realities instituted by the African diaspora which have a distinct, if complex, connection to the rhythms foundational to contemporary club music.

Havana Club Rumba Sessions: La Clave

To understand the history of Cuban rum is to understand the history of Cuba itself.  From belief systems to music to revolution, rum has been there, playing its part. "Cuba in a Bottle" tells its story throughout each step of the island’s history, with hand drawn animation and a diverse cast which reflects the melting pot that is Cuba’s past and present.