Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that the music of Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti influenced his portrayal of Spider-Man.
Garfield, who played Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man films and later returned to the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, said he turned to Fela’s music while preparing for the superhero character, using the sound and rhythm of Afrobeat to understand Spider-Man’s movement and personality.
In an interview clip shared on X by entertainment platform T.U.E (@TheUpperEnt), Garfield explained that he creates playlists for every character he plays as part of his preparation process.
“When I first got Spider-Man, I started listening to Fela,” he said, adding that he found “something about the sound and the rhythm” that helped him connect with the character.
The Hollywood actor said Fela’s music helped him connect not only physically with the role but also with the deeper qualities he wanted to bring to Peter Parker.
According to Garfield, the Nigerian musician’s revolutionary spirit and pursuit of justice influenced his understanding of the superhero.
“Fela was a revolutionary figure,” Garfield said, explaining that the Afrobeat pioneer’s music connected with the justice-seeking side of Spider-Man.
He also revealed that the way he moved while wearing the Spider-Man suit carried some inspiration from Fela’s music.
“The way I moved in the suit has some inspiration from Fela and his music,” he said.
Garfield’s revelation has drawn attention because of the unexpected connection between a Nigerian music legend known for challenging authority through Afrobeat and a fictional superhero whose story revolves around responsibility and standing against injustice.
Fela, who died in 1997, remains one of Africa’s most influential musicians, with his music and activism continuing to inspire artists across the world.
The Afrobeat pioneer used his music to criticise corruption, oppression and military rule in Nigeria, becoming known globally for his outspoken political messages and unique musical style.
Garfield’s comments add to the growing international recognition of Fela’s influence decades after his death, showing how the Nigerian icon’s sound continues to inspire creative works far beyond music.
The actor’s Spider-Man performances appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and the 2021 Marvel film Spider-Man: No Way Home.
