Afro-Cuban jazz is one of the most remarkable and enduring musical hybrids of the 20th century, representing a seamless fusion of African rhythmic traditions, Cuban folk heritage, and American jazz improvisation. Known for its vibrant polyrhythms, infectious danceability, and sophisticated harmonic structures, Afro-Cuban jazz has not only shaped Latin music but also influenced the global jazz scene. To understand the genre’s cultural richness, one must trace its story back to the triangular flow of people, rhythms, and ideas across Africa, the Caribbean, and North America.