The album 'Afro' was recorded in 1954 and released by Norgran Records, founded by Norman Granz. It is one of Dizzy Gillespie's earliest works to explicitly explore the fusion of jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms and musicians, solidifying his interest in Latin jazz.
The recording featured an Afro-Cuban percussion section led by Chano Pozo (though Pozo had died in 1948, his influence endured; musicians such as Candido Camero and Mongo Santamaría participated). The album includes original compositions by Gillespie and arrangements that integrate trumpets, saxophones, and mambo and son cubano rhythms.
Although not a massive commercial success at the time, 'Afro' is considered a milestone in the history of Latin jazz and a precursor to the fusion movement that Gillespie would continue to develop in later decades. The album cover features a minimalist design with brown tones and the word 'Afro' in large letters.