Art Blakey and the Afro-Drum Ensemble emerged in 1962 with the groundbreaking album *The African Beat*, a fusion of American jazz and African rhythms. Led by renowned drummer Art Blakey, the ensemble featured a diverse lineup, including Nigerian percussionist Solomon G. Ilori and multi-instrumentalist Yusef Lateef. This collaboration showcased traditional African instruments like the talking drum and conga, blending them seamlessly with jazz elements. *The African Beat* stands as a pioneering work, highlighting Blakey's commitment to exploring and integrating global musical traditions. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_African_Beat?utm_source=openai))