Andrew Garfield, the actor behind Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man films and Spider-Man: No Way Home, has revealed that Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti's music played a significant role in shaping his portrayal of the superhero. In an interview, Garfield explained that he creates playlists for every character he plays, and for Spider-Man, he turned to Fela's music to connect with the character's movement and personality.
Garfield stated that he started listening to Fela's music when he first got the role of Spider-Man, finding something about the sound and rhythm that helped him connect with the character. The actor's use of Fela's music as inspiration for his Spider-Man performance has drawn attention due to the unexpected connection between the Nigerian music legend and the fictional superhero.
According to Garfield, Fela's revolutionary spirit and pursuit of justice influenced his understanding of Spider-Man. The actor revealed that the way he moved while wearing the Spider-Man suit carried some inspiration from Fela's music, highlighting the Nigerian musician's impact on his physical portrayal of the character.
Fela Kuti, 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.
Garfield's revelation has sparked interest in the connection between music and acting, highlighting the creative processes that actors use to prepare for their roles. The actor's use of Fela's music as inspiration also underscores the enduring legacy of the Nigerian musician and his continued influence on artists globally.
The influence of Fela Kuti's music on Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Spider-Man serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire and shape creative expression. As a result, Fela's legacy continues to extend beyond the music industry, influencing various forms of artistic expression, including film and acting.
Key points
- Andrew Garfield credits Fela Kuti's music for inspiring his portrayal of Spider-Man.
- Fela Kuti's revolutionary spirit and pursuit of justice influenced Garfield's understanding of Spider-Man.
- Garfield's use of Fela's music as inspiration highlights the Nigerian musician's enduring legacy and continued influence on artists globally.
