British actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti influenced the rhythm, movement and confidence he brought to his portrayal of Spider-Man.
Speaking during an episode of The Track Star Podcast, Garfield said he usually creates playlists for every character he plays and found himself repeatedly listening to Fela while preparing to play Peter Parker.
“There was something about his spirit and his, I don’t know, the sound and the rhythm that was really useful to me for that character,” Garfield said.
Fela helped shape Spider-Man’s movement
Garfield explained that music often helps him discover the physical language of a character.
“I create a playlist for every character I play, which is a lovely fun thing to do,” he said.
For Spider-Man, Garfield said Fela’s music helped him connect with the superhero’s movement and energy.
“I don’t know what it is about this guy’s power that I want to somehow reflect in this guy’s power,” he added.
The actor said Fela’s rhythm gave him something useful while trying to understand how Peter Parker should move after becoming Spider-Man.
Garfield links Fela to rebellion, justice
Garfield also connected Fela’s rebellious spirit and activism with Spider-Man’s sense of justice.
The Nigerian musician became internationally known not only for creating Afrobeat but also for using his music to challenge political authority and speak against social injustice.
That defiant energy, Garfield suggested, fitted the kind of power he wanted to bring to the superhero.
The actor played Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012 and returned for its sequel in 2014.
He later reprised the role alongside Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Garfield has spoken about Fela before
The podcast appearance was not the first time Garfield had linked Fela’s music to his Spider-Man performance.
While promoting The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012, he said listening to Fela helped him feel more confident and physically free while wearing the superhero costume.
“I listened to a lot of Fela Kuti and that helped somehow,” he said at the time.
Garfield also drew inspiration from sports figures including Cristiano Ronaldo and Muhammad Ali as he worked on Spider-Man’s confidence, agility and physical presence.
Fela’s “Water No Get Enemy” was among the songs featured during Garfield’s appearance on The Track Star Podcast.
