British actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that the music of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti played a significant role in shaping his portrayal of Spider-Man. In an interview on The Track Star Podcast, Garfield explained that he creates a playlist for every character he plays, which helps him get into character. For Spider-Man, Fela's music became a key part of his preparation.
According to Garfield, he started listening to Fela Kuti's music after landing the role of Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man. He found the sound and rhythm of Fela's music to be particularly useful for the character. The actor believes that Fela's music helped him connect with the physicality and moral drive of Spider-Man, describing the Nigerian musician as a revolutionary figure.
Garfield further explained that Fela's music influenced his physical performance inside the Spider-Man suit. He drew inspiration from the Nigerian musician's sense of power and wanted to incorporate some of that quality into his portrayal of the superhero. As a result, the way he moved in the suit was influenced by Fela's music.
This is not the first time Garfield has mentioned Fela's influence on his Spider-Man performance. During the promotion of The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012, he similarly cited Fela's music as a source of inspiration for his physical preparation for the role. In addition to Fela, Garfield also mentioned athletes like Muhammad Ali and Cristiano Ronaldo as influences on his performance.
Garfield played Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), before reprising the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). His comments have renewed attention on the international influence of Fela's music, decades after the Nigerian musician's death. Fela's music continues to find its way into unexpected areas of popular culture.
A recent podcast episode featuring Garfield, released on September 2, 2026, included Fela's "Water Get No Enemy" among its selected tracks. The episode highlights the enduring legacy of Fela's music and its ability to inspire artists across different fields. Garfield's appreciation for Fela's music demonstrates the Nigerian musician's lasting impact on popular culture.
The revelation also underscores the significance of music in Garfield's acting process. By creating playlists for his characters, Garfield is able to tap into the emotions and energies that drive their performances. In the case of Spider-Man, Fela's music helped him bring a unique energy to the role.
Key points
- Andrew Garfield credits Fela Kuti's music for influencing his Spider-Man movements.
- Fela's music helped Garfield connect with Spider-Man's physicality and moral drive.
- Garfield's comments have renewed attention on Fela's international influence, decades after his death.
