Afro-Cuban jazz is a musical genre that blends elements of jazz with Cuban rhythms and instruments. It emerged in the 1940s, primarily in the United States, as musicians began to incorporate traditional Cuban music styles, such as son and rumba, into their jazz compositions. The genre is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, improvisation, and a variety of instruments, including the trumpet, saxophone, and conga drums. Notable musicians like Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie played significant roles in popularizing Afro-Cuban jazz, creating a vibrant fusion that continues to influence music today.