Which music is heavily influenced by African rhythms and is characterized by rich, varied patterns produced by drums?

Afro-Latin American Music is characterized by its deep roots in African musical traditions, particularly in its complex rhythms and percussive elements. This genre encompasses a wide variety of music styles that blend African instruments, rhythms, and cultural expressions with those of Latin America. The influence of African rhythms is especially prominent in genres such as samba and rumba, which utilize intricate drum patterns, call-and-response techniques, and syncopated rhythms, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the African musical heritage.

The presence of drums, particularly in Afro-Latin dance music, highlights the cultural exchange that occurred during the transatlantic slave trade, where African slaves brought their musical traditions, which would later merge with Spanish, Portuguese, and Indigenous influences. This historical context enriches the understanding of Afro-Latin American music as a vital cultural expression that celebrates the fusion of diverse musical styles while maintaining a strong connection to African rhythmical structures.