African polyrhythmic beats and European harmonies met in the Americas in the 16^th century and created many musical styles loved by billions of people. The fusion of African syncopation and European harmonies was revolutionary. In the Unites States, the combination of syncopation, harmonies and melodies created Gospel, Blues, Soul, Rhythm & Blue, Rock and Roll, Ragtime, and Jazz. In South America and the Caribbean, it created Bossa Nova, Calypso, Steel Drum, Cumbia, Candombe, Salsa, Samba, Reggae and Tango.

Polyrhythmic beats involve the use of multiple rhythms or time signatures played simultaneously. This type of rhythm is commonly found in African music and was brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. African syncopation and European harmonies intermingle uniquely in various genres.

Harmony, on the other hand, involves the use of different notes or chords played simultaneously to create a pleasing sound. This musical element was brought to the Americas by European colonizers and became an integral part of many genres of music, including jazz, blues, and rock.

In Latin American and Caribbean music, polyrhythmic beats and harmony often come together to create a unique and vibrant sound. For example, in salsa music, the use of polyrhythmic percussion instruments such as the bongo and conga are combined with harmonized vocals and brass instruments. Similarly, in Brazilian samba, the complex polyrhythmic drumming is accompanied by melodic harmonies played on guitar and other instruments. The meeting of polyrhythmic beats and harmony in the Americas, combining African syncopation and European harmonies, changed music around the world.